Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed a “clear, decisive majority” among Jewish and Zionist voters early Wednesday, calling for a strong right-wing government as revised election night projections shifted in his favor and declaring a “historic” opportunity alongside President Donald Trump to eliminate the Iranian threat.
Addressing cheering Likud supporters in Jerusalem following Israel’s first parliamentary election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre, Netanyahu asserted a mandate to govern even as exit polls showed neither his bloc nor the opposition securing the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
Netanyahu pointed to what he called a “clear, decisive majority” for the right-wing bloc among Jewish and Zionist voters, arguing that the result demonstrated broad support for a government committed to preserving Israel as a Jewish state.
“We must establish a strong national right-wing government,” he said. “That is what needs to be done.”
