Netanyahu Loses Seats, Trails Challenger Gadi Eisenkot in Israel Election, Exit Polls Show — Here’s what Happens Next

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to lose significant support to opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot in the Israeli election Tuesday, according to exit polls — but neither bloc was set to win enough seats to secure a clear majority.

The big story, however, was the huge gain for Israeli Arabs, who make up about 25% of the population.

They were on pace to score 17 seats, a huge increase.

Netanyahu’s Likud party had 25 seats, and his right-wing alliance had 50, according to the Kan 11 exit poll published after voting ended. That would be a massive drop from the 32 they currently hold.

Despite the drop, the party is still projected to get the most votes out of any other single party in the election, according to all major exit polls.

Meanwhile, the “Change” opposition is slated to win 52 to 53 seats. (Read more from “Netanyahu Loses Seats, Trails Challenger Gadi Eisenkot in Israel Election, Exit Polls Show — Here’s what Happens Next” HERE)