Eisenkot says he will try to build government without Netanyahu

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot stated on Tuesday that he would do everything possible to form a Zionist government that treats all citizens equally.

The announcement came three and a half hours after polling stations closed, as official counts remained slow. Only 128 of more than 12,000 precincts had reported results at that time.

Eisenkot addressed his party's candidates and supporters, noting that voter turnout reached its highest level since 1999. He called it an error to return to the ballot box again so soon.

Exit polls at the close of voting indicated that Netanyahu's party won 50 seats. Eisenkot's bloc captured 52 seats, while Arab parties secured 18 seats. Neither bloc holds the 61 seats required for a majority.

Leaders of the third and fourth placed parties, Joint List and Democrats, gave similar speeches. They did not explicitly reject a coalition with Arab formations, though they did not openly announce one either.

Eisenkot told Netanyahu that a dignified leader would accept this popular censure and announce his retirement from political life today. He referred to Netanyahu as a transitional prime minister lacking a mandate or public trust.

The former army chief directed a message to Israeli security officials. He urged them to stay firm against any attempts to challenge them and reminded them that they serve the state and the interests of the citizens. Eisenkot warned Netanyahu not to use Israel's security for his own political purposes. He outlined plans to include ultra-Orthodox Jews in mandatory military service and to dismantle Hamas.