Netanyahu gets green light for his far-right agenda

Benjamin Netanyahu wins Israel election as Blue and White party leaders concede

Stuff.co.nz

11 April, 2019

Israel's Blue and White party leaders have conceded defeat in Israel's election, saying they will work against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the opposition.

Yair Lapid, the party's No. 2 figure, told a press conference that though his party "did not win in this round, I respect the voters." He said his party will "embitter" Netanyahu's life from the opposition.

The Blue and White party, headed by former army chief of staff Benny Gantz, drew even with Netanyahu's Likud party in the polls, but the incumbent prime minister is poised to form a government with his larger bloc of religious and nationalist allies.

AMIR LEVY

Prime Minster of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara greet supporters.

Gantz said his party had "founded a true alternative rule to Netanyahu" who is entering an historic fifth term as Israel's prime minister

Earlier, Netanyahu said US president Donald Trump had called to congratulate him on his election win from Air Force One.

ARIEL SCHALIT

Likud party ballot papers and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign fliers are seen on the ground after polls for Israel's general elections closed in Tel Aviv, Israel.

He thanked the US leader for his "great support for Israel," including the White House's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Trump also tweeted a photo of "Trump flags being waived at the Bibi (at)netanyahu VICTORY celebration last night!"

Netanyahu campaigned on his foreign policy victories and close relations with world leaders - Trump in particular.

The election outcome affirmed Israel's continued tilt to the right and further dimmed hopes of a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Re-election will give Netanyahu an important boost as he braces for the likelihood of criminal charges in a series of corruption scandals.

Netanyahu: Killing 300 Gaza protesters was ‘wise’ decision

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel used force “wisely” in the Gaza Strip, as Israeli soldiers have killed “more than 300” Palestinians near the eastern fence of the besieged enclave.

In an interview with Israel Hayom, Netanyahu said: “More than 300 Palestinians have been killed near the border when they tried to breach the fence and abduct our soldiers. We have used force wisely, and powerfully.”