Trump Says Endorsement Helped Netanyahu In Israeli Election

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that his endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped him in Israel’s general election. Trump made the statement on Wednesday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, saying his endorsement had helped Netanyahu “a lot”.

Partial Results Show Netanyahu’s Bloc Ahead

Figures from Israel’s Central Elections Committee showed Netanyahu’s bloc leading the opposition after approximately 50 per cent of the votes had been counted. With 50.1 per cent of ballots counted, partial projections put Netanyahu’s bloc at 56 seats in the 120-member parliament. The opposition bloc was projected to win 49 seats, while Arab parties were projected to secure 15.

Final Outcome Remains Uncertain

The partial figures were subject to change as vote counting continued. Several exit polls had also indicated a close contest between the major political blocs, with neither projected to secure a parliamentary majority. The final results will determine the balance of power in Israel’s parliament and the prospects for forming the next government.