Mystery surrounds Israel political future

The Kadima and Likud parties have both declared victory in a close Israeli election that has left the future of the premiership in doubt.


The right-wing Likud Party managed to add to the number of its seats in parliament but fell short of Kadima, winning 27 seats compared to the 28 now held by the centrist Kadima Party, exit polls for the Tuesday elections show. In spite of its one-seat deficit, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu has become a viable candidate for the premiership, as right-wing parties have gained the overall advantage and may seek to join the politician in forming a coalition government. The election results are expected to bring weeks of political uncertainty to Israel as Kadima head Tzipi Livni and Netanyahu will begin lobbying for the support of the majority of the 120 MPs -- which is necessary for forming a government. "Today the people have chosen Kadima," Livni told party supporters in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, promising to be Israel's next prime minister. She also urged Netanyahu to join a national unity government under her leadership. Netanyahu said, however, he is "certain" that he would be the one to form the next government. "The national camp led by the Likud has won an unambiguous majority," Netanyahu said at a party gathering. Meanwhile, the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party of Avigdor Lieberman came third with 15 seats; the center-left Labor Party headed by Defense Minister Ehud Barak came in fourth with a record low win of 13 seats. The support of hardliner Lieberman therefore seems to have become the determining factor for the future of the government. "I am very glad we hold the key" to the next government, Lieberman commented, adding that he favors a "right-wing government". The rise of the pro-war right-wing parties comes after Israel failed to achieve the objectives of its recent military campaign in the Gaza Strip and its 2006 operations against Lebanon. A Netanyahu premiership is feared by many observers as a factor that could dim the possibility of the Middle East peace process ever yielding results. Commenting on the election outcome, an official from the Palestinian Fatah has expressed dismay on the issue of right-wing parties having gained the advantage. "It's obvious the Israelis have voted to paralyze the peace process," Saeb Erakat told AFP. Throughout the elections, the Palestinian Hamas paid little attention to the vote, arguing that whatever the outcome the results would not be favorable for Palestinians. After the results were announced, however, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum insisted that Israelis had voted for "the most bellicose candidates… who are the most extremist in their rhetoric."