Netanyahu claims right-wing bloc won Israeli election

By Anees Suheil Barghouti</p> <p> <p>JERUSALEM (AA) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Tuesday that the right-wing bloc led by his Likud party has won a clear victory in Israel’s general election. </p> <p> <p>“I want to thank the citizens of Israel for your trust,&quot; Netanyahu said in a statement.</p> <p> <p>“I will begin forming a right-wing government with our natural allies this very night.”</p> <p> <p>However, one of the leaders of the Blue and White political alliance, former Israeli army chief Benny Gantz, also claimed victory.</p> <p> <p>“The Israeli public had their say! Thank you to the thousands of activists and over a million voters,” Gantz said.</p> <p> <p>With the polls closed, the Likud-led bloc lost against the Blue and White alliance led by Gantz and centrist politician Yair Lapid 37-33, according to Israel’s Channel 12.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Channel 11 said the alliance acquired 37 seats while the Likud bloc holds 36.</p> <p>However, Channel 13 reported that each side gained 36 seats in parliament.</p> <p>Voting took place at 10,720 polling stations across the country, while 96 stations at Israeli embassies and consulates abroad are open for voting, according to the country's electoral commission.</p> <p>More than 40 political parties are vying to win seats in the 120-member Knesset, Israel’s parliament, although only 12 parties are expected to pass the electoral threshold.</p> <p>Israeli voters began to cast ballots Tuesday to elect members of the Knesset.</p> <p>There are 6.3 million eligible voters in Israel, according to the country's electoral commission.