After Three Elections, Israel Forms A Unity Government

DW: Israel ends 500-day political crisis with inauguration of Netanyahu-Gantz unity government

After nearly 18 months without a government, Israel has sworn in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former rival Benny Gantz in a power-sharing agreement.

After three elections and more than 500 days without a government, the ongoing political crisis in Israel came to an end on Sunday with the inauguration of a unity government made up of right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former rival, centrist Benny Gantz.

At a ceremony in Jerusalem, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, the three-year coalition government was formally approved by a 73 to 46 vote. Netanyahu and Gantz were then sworn in as prime minister and alternate prime minister respectively.

Netanyahu belongs to the right-wing Likud party. His rival-turned-ally Gantz leads the centrist Blue and White alliance.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is probably the first issue that it will be dealing with .... Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will push ahead with plans to annex parts of occupied West Bank as new unity government sworn in (Daily Mail).

More News On Israel Forming A Unity Government

Israel finally swears in government after 3 elections -- AP
Netanyahu's new Israeli government approved, eyes West Bank annexations -- Reuters
Israel’s parliament swears in new unity government with PM Netanyahu at helm -- France 24
Netanyahu takes office in deal that could see West Bank annexation -- The Guardian
Israel swears in unity government after long political crisis -- BBC
PM announces 19 ministers from his bloc, despite coalition deal handing it 18 -- Times of Israel

Israel To Hold Its Third Election This Year

VOA: Israel Headed for Third Election in a Year

JERUSALEM - Israel is headed for a third election in a year, for the first time ever. The new election comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a series of corruption charges and after the two largest parties failed to reach an agreement to join forces.

Israel’s speaker of parliament, Yuli Edelstein, announced that the Knesset had voted to break up and hold new elections.

Read more ....

More News On Reports That Israel Will Be Holding Another Election This Year

Israel will hold unprecedented third election in a year -- BBC
Israel’s Netanyahu limps into new election campaign -- AP
Israel heads for third election in a year as deadline to form government expires -- France 24
Election-weary Israel to face third vote in a year -- AFP
As another election looms, Israel's president asks public not to despair -- Reuters
Deadlocked Israel to hold third consecutive election -- Politico
Israel heads for third general election within a year -- Al Jazeera
Israel heads for unprecedented third election in a year, as Netanyahu clings to power -- CNN
Indicted Netanyahu to resign ministries, remain PM: lawyers -- AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Indicted For Fraud, Breach Of Trust And Bribery

Daily Mail: Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted for fraud, breach of trust and bribery by Israel's attorney general

* Benjamin Netanyahu has been indictment over three different corruption cases
* Israeli attorney general Avichai Mandelblit announced his decision this evening
* Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and claims he is victim of a witch-hunt
* It is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has been charged with a crime

Israel's attorney general has formally charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a series of corruption scandals.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit issued an indictment today charging Netanyahu with fraud, breach of trust and bribery. He was scheduled to address reporters later.

Netanyahu, whose supporters call him 'Mr Security' and 'King Bibi', has denied any wrongdoing in the three corruption cases, saying he is a victim of a political witch-hunt.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit disclosed his decision at a news conference at 7.30pm local time, a Justice Ministry statement said.

Read more ....

More News On Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Being Indicted For Fraud, Breach Of Trust And Bribery

Israel’s Netanyahu charged in corruption cases -- AP
Netanyahu charged in corruption cases, deepening Israeli political disarray -- Reuters
Israel's attorney general indicts Netanyahu on corruption charges -- France 24
Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel PM charged with corruption -- BBC
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu indicted for bribery and fraud -- The Guardian
Israeli PM Netanyahu indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- CNBC
Israel: Netanyahu indicted on corruption charges -- DW
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu charged with corruption -- ABC News Online
Israeli PM Netanyahu indicted on corruption charges -- Al Jazeera
Israel's Attorney General Indicts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Corruption Cases -- Sputnik
Israel AG indicts Netanyahu on corruption charges, including bribery & fraud -- RT
Explainer: What are the allegations against Israel's Netanyahu? -- Al Jazeera
The charges against Israeli PM Netanyahu -- France 24

Another Israeli Election?

Reuters: Third Israeli election looms after Netanyahu and challenger fail to form government

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel moved closer toward holding a third election in less than a year on Wednesday, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main challenger failed to form a government.

Benny Gantz’s announcement that he would not meet a midnight deadline following Netanyahu’s own failure to put together a coalition in October deepened political deadlock at a time of mounting security and economic concerns.

There now begins a 21-day period in which Israeli lawmakers can nominate any one of the Knesset’s 120 lawmakers to try and establish a coalition where others have failed.

If that fails too, an election is triggered within 90 days, raising the prospect for a weary electorate of going back to the polls after inconclusive votes in April and September.

Read more ....

More News On The Prospects Of Another Israeli Election

Israel Heads Toward Unprecedented 3rd Election in 12 Months -- VOA/AP
Israel moves closer to third elections after Gantz fails to form government -- CNN
Third Israel election looms after failure to form government -- Al Jazeera
Israel's political deadlock continues as deadline looms — so what happens next? -- NBC

Israeli Election Results -- News Updates September 18, 2019

Daily Mail: Benjamin Netanyahu fights to hold on as Prime Minister as early Israeli election results show the two main political parties are deadlocked

* Partial results in Israel's election showed Netanyahu's Likud party and rival Benny Gantz's Blue and White party tied on 32 seats each, neither with a majority
* If result holds, it puts political future of Israel's longest-serving leader in doubt
* Avigdor Lieberman, leader of centrist Yisrael Beiteinu, emerged as king-maker
* He has called for a secular national unity government made up of both parties

Benjamin Netanyahu is facing an uphill battle to keep his job after his party lost seats in Israel's election, leaving him deadlocked with his biggest political rival.

According to partial results, Netanyahu's Likud party and rival Benny Gantz's Blue and White party were tied on 32 seats each in the 120-seat Knesset.

If that result proves final then it would reduce Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government to 56 seats overall - five short of a majority - raising the prospect of an end to his record-breaking rule.

But Netanyahu, who is facing a corruption probe which would intensify if he was forced from power, refused to concede on Wednesday morning.

Read more ....

Israeli Election Results -- News Updates September 18, 2019

Israeli voters deliver deadlock, Netanyahu's tenure in doubt -- Reuters
Israel election: Netanyahu and rival Gantz headed for deadlock -- BBC
Netanyahu neck-and-neck with rival Gantz in Israeli election, exit polls show -- France 24
Israel election: Netanyahu and Gantz both vow to form next government -- The Guardian
Gantz holds narrow lead over Netanyahu in Israeli election -- UPI
Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu dealt a blow in national elections, with race too close to call -- ABC News Online
Israel election: Partial results show rivals heading for deadlock -- Al Jazeera

Israelis Go To The Polls Today

The Guardian: Israel election: voters head to the polls for second time this year

Netanyahu campaign has demonised Israel’s Arab minority and vowed to annex much of Palestinian territories

Israelis are going to the polls in the country’s second election this year, following a campaign dominated by Benjamin Netanyahu and his vows to implement a far-right, ultranationalist agenda in exchange for a record fifth term as leader.

Facing the prospect of criminal corruption indictments and hoping to extend his unmatched stint in the prime minister’s office, Netanyahu has promised to declare up to a third of the occupied Palestinian territories as part of Israel if he is re-elected.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Israeli Elections

Benjamin Netanyahu fights for future in do-over election: Live Updates -- CNN
Netanyahu’s career on the line as Israel votes -- AP
Israel votes with Netanyahu's political survival at stake -- France 24
Warning of election 'disaster', Israel's Netanyahu battles for survival -- Reuters
Israel election: Netanyahu in tough fight in this year's second vote -- BBC
Netanyahu, Gantz square off again as Israel reruns election -- UPI
Israel elections: Polls in rerun vote open -- Al Jazeera
Israel election: Voting under way in second poll in five months -- Al Jazeera
Analysis: Will Benjamin Netanyahu be re-elected? -- Al Jazeera

Israelis Go To The Polls Tomorrow. Will The Attack On Saudi Arabia's Oil Facilities Influence The Result?

NPR: Netanyahu Fights To Hang On In Another Israeli Election. Here's What To Know

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, faces his toughest political battle for survival in years, as the country holds unprecedented repeat elections Tuesday.

This is the second time Israelis are going to the polls in less than six months. Netanyahu, 69, forced the do-over in a last-minute move, just weeks after April elections, because he secured a narrow win but failed to build a parliament majority.

The results of Tuesday's elections may be just as inconclusive, casting a cloud on Netanyahu's political future and potentially prompting yet another round of elections.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Tensions are sky-high in the Middle East right now, with talk of war being covered 24/7. Will Israeli voters decide to change their government in the middle of this crisis? I am willing to bet that the answer is no, and PM Netanyahu will gain enough support to retain power.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Admits That He May Lose On September 17

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reveals the Iranian nuclear bases uncovered by Israel, September 9 2019. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

Jerusalem Post: Netanyahu: Internal polls show Likud losing on Sept. 17

Netanyahu revealed that his own internal polls indicate that he will not win the September 17 election.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Thursday morning that his own internal polls indicate that he will not win the September 17 election.

In an interview with KAN Radio, Netanyahu lamented that too many voters who want him to be prime minister either will not vote or will vote for one of the Likud's satellite parties.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: He is probably right.

Will Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Be Defeated Next Week When Israelis Go To The Polls?

Former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman (L) has gained in popularity since April's election which saw Netanyahu (R) fail to put together a coalition (AFP Photo/MENAHEM KAHANA)

AFP: Netanyahu fights for political life a week before Israel votes

Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel moved into its final week of campaigning Monday for an unprecedented second general election in five months with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu battling for political survival while facing a potential corruption indictment.

With the September 17 vote looming, Netanyahu and his right-wing Likud drew outrage from opposition parties with a push for last-minute legislation that would allow party officials to bring cameras to polling stations.

His critics labelled it a naked attempt to depress turnout among Israel's Arab population, as it could intimidate many into staying away.

They also pointed out that it could serve to energise Netanyahu's base of right-wing voters due to his warnings -- so far unfounded -- that the election could be stolen.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: All of my Israeli contacts are telling me that they have no idea on who will be the "winner" when Israelis go to the polls on September 17.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Has A Midnight Deadline To Form A Coalition Or Face A New Election

Daily Mail: Netanyahu has just hours to agree a coalition or Israel could be plunged into its second election in months after row over ultra-orthodox serving in army

* Voters could be forced to go to the polls just months after an April 9 election
* PM Benjamin Netanyahu wants to keep ultra-Orthodox military exemption policy
* But far-right former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman wants to overturn it
* Without the five seats of Lieberman's party, Netanyahu cannot muster a majority
* If coalition deal not made, President Rivlin may select another MP to form one

Benjamin Netanyahu has just hours to cobble together a coalition or Israel could be plunged into its second snap election of the year.

Israelis could be forced to go to the polls just months after an April vote if the country's squabbling conservative parties can't agree a deal by midnight.

As the deadline loomed, there was no sign of a breakthrough in talks with far-right former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Crisis has struck following a row between the leaders over policy which allows ultra-Orthodox men exemption from military conscription.

Read more ....

More News On The Possibility Of A New Israeli Election

Hours to Deadline: Lieberman Digs in His Heels, Netanyahu Aims to Dissolve Knesset: Live Updates -- Haaretz
Netanyahu hours away from deadline for forming coalition govt -- Reuters
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces midnight deadline to form new government -- DW
Hours before deadline, Likud accuses Liberman of seeking to replace Netanyahu -- Times of Israel
Netanyahu's decade-long rule in doubt as coalition talks falter -- The Guardian

Israel Faces A Possible Second Election With PM Netanyahu Struggling To Form A Coalition Government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) and Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman announce a coalition agreement, May 25, 2016 (Yonatan Sindel/FLASH90)

L.A. Times: Netanyahu struggles to form new Israeli government as deadline approaches

Facing a looming deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struggled to form a new government Sunday, and his party began preparing the nation for the possibility of new elections.

Last month, Netanyahu and his natural allies on the right came out on top in a hotly contested race in which he faced political novice Benny Gantz, a former army chief of staff, running in partnership with centrist Yair Lapid, a former minister of finance.

Under Israeli law, Netanyahu was then tasked to form the next government by President Reuven Rivlin. But with no coalition agreement signed and less than three days left to form the government, Netanyahu may find himself unable to do so.

Read more ....

More News On Israel's PM Netanyahu Struggling To Form A Coalition Government

Israel faces possible second election amid coalition crisis -- AP
Israel moves towards new vote as Netanyahu struggles to form government -- Reuters
Netanyahu says coalition deal still possible as talk of new polls mounts -- AFP
Netanyahu: We have 48 hours to avoid elections -- Jerusalem Post
Likud prepares bill to dissolve Knesset as coalition talks snag -- Times of Israel
Trump publicly intervenes in Israeli crisis to help Netanyahu -- Axios
Elections again? Surely not! Or just maybe? Three key points -- David Horowitz, Times of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Has Won Another Term To Lead Israel

Haaretz: Live Updates Israel Election: Gantz Concedes Defeat, Lapid Vows to Turn Knesset Into Battlefield

* Trump: Netanyahu's victory is good sign for peace
* Likud, Kahol Lavan tied with 35 seats each, but the right leads 65-55
* Netanyahu makes celebratory speech: 'A night of great victory'
* Gesher, Zehut, Hayamin Hehadash fail to enter Knesset

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has all but secured a 5th term on Wednesday morning, after more than 95 percent of the votes gave the right-wing bloc a 10-seat lead over the left.

Netanyahu's Likud tied with Benny Gantz's Kahol Lavan party with 35 seats each. Both leaders made victory speeches after the exit polls, vowing to be "everyone's prime minister."

But almost all right-wing parties have said they would recommend to the president that Netanyahu form the next ruling coalition. Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked's Hayamin Hehadash, as well as the far-right Zehut party led by Moshe Feiglin and Orly Levi-Abekasis' Gesher did not make it past the electoral threshold.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: So much for the exit polls and international commentary predicting a close race.

More News On Yesterday's Israeli Election

The Latest: Netanyahu appears headed toward re-election -- AP
Netanyahu poised to become Israeli PM for 5th time -- AP
Israel's Netanyahu wins re-election with parliamentary majority: tally -- Reuters
'King Bibi': perennial survivor Netanyahu comes out ahead -- AFP
Netanyahu takes Jerusalem, and rocket-battered Sderot; Tel Aviv goes for Gantz -- Times of Israel
Israeli election: Netanyahu appears on track for victory despite tied result -- The Guardian
Netanyahu poised to claim victory in Israeli election -- France 24
Israel election results: PM Netanyahu on 'clear path' to victory in coalition with religious right -- ABC News Online
Israel election: Netanyahu set for record fifth term -- BBC
Defeated Gantz promises to bring hope despite ‘gloomy skies’ -- Times of Israel
Israel elections: Netanyahu set for record fifth term as PM -- The Al Jazeera
'The future is dark': Palestinians react to Israel's election -- The Guardian
Right-wing world leaders congratulate Netanyahu on likely election victory -- France 24
Trump congratulates Netanyahu on his election 'win' and says it gives peace a 'better chance' as Israeli PM puts together right-wing coalition and eyes party that wants to kick Arabs out of the country -- Daily Mail

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu To Be Indicted On Corruption Charges

The Guardian: Netanyahu to be indicted on corruption charges, Israeli attorney general says

Decision could severely damage Israeli PM’s chances in next April’s general election.

Israel’s attorney general intends to indict the country’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in three corruption cases, the Justice Ministry has said.

The decision comes just six weeks before the Israeli general election, and the announcement could severely damage Netanyahu’s chances in a tight race.

Avichai Mandelblit’s long-awaited announcement signals his intent to prosecute the prime minister with criminal wrongdoing in all the cases against him, in which he has been accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Israeli PM Netanyahu is calling this indictment a witch-hunt .... Netanyahu dismissed corruption allegations as baseless 'witch-hunt' (Reuters).

More News On Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu To Be Indicted On Corruption Charges

Israel's attorney general intends to indict Netanyahu on bribery and corruption charges - in a move his party declare 'political persecution' -- Daily Mail
Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel PM faces corruption charges -- BBC
Israeli attorney-general plans to charge Netanyahu in corruption cases -- Reuters
Israeli attorney general to charge Benjamin Netanyahu for corruption -- DW
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to be indicted on bribery charges -- UPI
Israel's Netanyahu to be indicted for 'bribery, fraud' -- Al Jazeera
Israel attorney general announces intention to indict Netanyahu -- AFP
The allegations against Israeli PM Netanyahu -- AFP
Explainer: Netanyahu's corruption cases - What happens next? -- Maayan Lubell, Reuters

Corruption Scandal Threatens To 'Derail' Israel - German Submarine Agreement

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu climbs out of the submarine Rahav in Haifa. Photograph: Baz Ratner/Reuters

Defense News: Israel-Germany submarine deal in jeopardy amid widening scandal

TEL AVIV, Israel — A widening scandal in Israel over a slew of suspected criminal offenses is likely to torpedo a €1.2 billion (U.S. $1.4 billion) submarine deal between Israel and Germany, as a former Israeli Navy commander and the personal attorney of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are the latest to be caught up in an ongoing probe.

Vice Adm. Eliezer Marom, who commanded the Navy from 2007-2011, and David Shimron, Netanyahu’s personal attorney, remain under house arrest after three days of questioning in what is known here as the Case 3000 Affair.

There are now four ongoing police probes into Netanyahu or his close associates spanning a spectrum of allegations including accepting inappropriate gifts to abuse of influence over the telecommunications sector, ranging from Case 1000 to Case 4000. Hence, the naval procurement scandal's colloquial label of Case 3000.

Read more ....

Update: Police question Netanyahu confidante over German submarines (ABC News/AP)

WNU Editor: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is feeling the pressure .... Netanyahu on submarine and Bezeq affairs: The press is out to get me (The Jerusalem Post).

Israeli Defense Minister Quits Citing Policy Differences With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Reuters: Israel defense chief quits, warns of "extremist" rise under Netanyahu

Israel's defense minister resigned on Friday, saying the nation was being taken over by "extremist and dangerous elements" after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved to replace him with a far-right politician in an effort to strengthen his coalition.

Political sources say Netanyahu has offered long-time rival Avigdor Lieberman the defense portfolio, a post crucial for a country on a perennial war footing. The Defence Ministry also runs civil affairs in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinians struggling for statehood live in friction with Jewish settlers.

Read more ....

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon Quits Citing Policy Differences With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel's defence minister quits over rift with Binyamin Netanyahu -- The Gaurdian
Israel’s defense minister abruptly resigns in slap at growing ‘extremism’ -- Washington Post
Israeli defense minister resigns in political shake-up -- CNN
Israeli minister resigns after row with Netanyahu -- Al Jazeera
Israel's defense minister resigns over 'lack of faith' in Netanyahu -- DW
Israel defense minister quits, warns of "extremist" takeover -- US News and World Report
Israeli Defense Minister Resigns Over Clash with Netanyahu -- VOA
Israel Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon Quits, Cites ‘Lack Of Faith’ In PM Netanhayu -- IBTimes
Outgoing Defense Minister Ya'alon: Extremists Have Taken Over Israel -- Haaretz
Israel’s Yaalon Exits -- Krishnadev Calamur, The Atlantic

Commentaries, Analysis, And Reactions To Yesterday's Israeli Elections

Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz: How did Netanyahu score such a decisive election victory?

The prime minister who was on course for an ignominious defeat is now being sent back to the Knesset with an even bigger majority – thanks to a brilliant end-game and his rivals' flawed campaigns.

For anyone who did not sleep last night, but spent the wee hours watching as television exit polls began slowly to give way to the actual results coming from the Central Election Commission, there was a surreal moment, sometime between 2 o'clock and 3 o'clock, when the floor seemed to give way under your feet.

WNU Editor: The following post gives a good breakdown on what the future Israeli parliament is going to look like .... Here's the breakdown on Israel's election results — it's looking great for Netanyahu -- Zack Beauchamp and Katy Lee (VOX)

Commentaries, Analysis, And Reactions To Yesterday's Israeli Elections

Netanyahu is the clear winner in Israel's election -- Armin Rosen, Business Insider
Bibi’s Playbook: This wasn’t the first time Netanyahu won against long odds. Here’s how he does it. -- Janine Zacharia, Slate
How Netanyahu won — and what happens now -- Adam Taylor, Washington Post
Gulf official: Security fears over Iran gave Netanyahu election win -- Jerusalem Post/Reuters
Netanyahu Wins Big -- Joshua Keating, Slate
How Did Netanyahu Pull Off Israeli Election Win? -- VOA/Reuters
Israel election: Bibi the magician pulls off a victory – but at what cost? -- Peter Beaumont, The Guardian
Netanyahu scores stunning victory – but at what cost? -- Christa Case Bryant, CSM
Netanyahu Won, but at What Cost? -- Steven Cohen & Gershon Shafir, Real Clear World/The Conversation
Bibi’s Ugly Win Will Harm Israel -- Jonathan Alter, Daily Beast
Analysis: With Netanyahu win, Israel seems on collision course with world -- Dan Perry, AP
Binyamin Netanyahu victory causes international concern -- Ian Black
Netanyahu remarks on Palestinian state 'electioneering': Arab League -- AFP
Palestinians want world pressure on Israel after Netanyahu win -- Reuters
Iran says no difference between Israeli parties, all aggressors - Mehr -- Reuters
What Netanyahu’s election victory means for the Palestinians -- Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post
Analysis: Israel's international standing depends on coalition makeup -- Elie Barnavi, i24 News
Israel Elections: Netanyahu Victory Could Stall Peace Process, Analysts Say -- NBC
Israeli election means Obama likely stuck with Netanyahu -- Fox News
Amid Mideast Turmoil, Israel Voters Pick Status Quo -- Yaroslav Trofimov, WSJ
Israel election: What Netanyahu's victory means -- Rabbi Abraham Cooper, FOX News
Israel election: why were the exit polls wrong? -- Alberto Nardelli, The Guardian

Israel Election News Updates -- March 18, 2015

Reuters: Hard-right shift delivers upset election win for Netanyahu

(Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Wednesday to form a new governing coalition quickly after an upset election victory that was built on a shift to the right and is likely to worsen a troubled relationship with the White House.

In the final days of campaigning, Netanyahu abandoned a commitment to negotiate a Palestinian state - the basis of more than two decades of Middle East peacemaking - and promised to go on building settlements on occupied land. Such policies defy the core vision of a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict embraced by President Barack Obama and his Republican and Democratic predecessors.

Israel Election News Updates -- March 18, 2015

Israel Election -- Arutz Sheva
Israel election -- Haaretz
Israel News Coverage -- i24 news
Election coverage -- Times of Israel
Israel Election -- YNet news
Race to the Knesset: Follow the latest Election Day updates -- Jerusalem Post
Israel Elections: Live Coverage of the Vote and Results -- NYT
Israeli elections: 4th term or end of Netanyahu era? LIVE UPDATES -- RT

Netanyahu surges to victory in Israeli vote -- AP
Clear election victory for Netanyahu in Israel -- FT
With Ballots Counted, Netanyahu Scores Dramatic, Decisive Victory in Israeli Elections -- Algemeiner
Netanyahu takes victory with 29 seats after 99 percent of votes counted -- i24 News
Binyamin Netanyahu scores dramatic victory after late surge in support -- The Guardian
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu Secures Decisive Election Victory -- WSJ
Netanyahu’s Party Bounces Back to Win Israeli Elections -- Vanity Fair
Netanyahu Vows to Work Quickly to Form New Government -- NYT
Netanyahu to Form New Government After Election Win -- VOA
Israel election: Netanyahu claims victory as main rival concedes -- CNN
Netanyahu poised for third straight term as Israel PM after chief rival concedes -- FOX News
Netanyahu plans to quickly form government; Herzog concedes defeat -- YNet News
Zionist Union Goes to Opposition After Losing Israeli Election -- Sputnik
Netanyahu's shock re-election leaves Israel's pollsters red-faced -- Reuters

Israel's Election -- News Roundup March 17, 2015

Daily Mail: Netanyahu declares victory in Israeli election - even though it's too close to call in the in exit polls

* Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tied with Zionist Union's Isaac Herzog
* TV station polls say both parties secured 27 seats in 120-member Knesset
* Another station said Netanyahu eked out narrow victory, winning 28 to 27
* On Twitter, Netanyahu has already claimed a 'great victory' for Likud party
* He appears to have upper hand in forming coalition due to right-wing allies
* Newcomer Moshe Kahlon has enough seats to affect who will be next PM
* Results likely to disappoint Herzog who was tipped to come out on top
* Early polls triggered celebrations outside Likud's headquarters in Tel Aviv

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared victory in Israel's election despite being tied with the opposition party in exit polls.

Mr Netanyahu took to Twitter to declare a 'great victory' for his right-wing Likud party despite polls showing a dead heat with its main opponent, the centre-left Zionist Union.

Israel's Election -- News Roundup March 17, 2015

Israel Election -- Arutz Sheva
Israel election -- Haaretz
Israel News Coverage -- i24 news
Election coverage -- Times of Israel
Israel Election -- YNet news
Israel election live blog -- Haaretz
Race to the Knesset: Follow the latest Election Day updates -- Jerusalem Post
Israel Elections: Live Coverage of the Vote and Results -- NYT
Israeli elections: 4th term or end of Netanyahu era? LIVE UPDATES -- RT

Israel's Netanyahu emerges with slight edge after tight race -- AP
Israel election: No clear winner, exit polls suggest -- BBC
In Israel, Race Between Netanyahu and Herzog Appears Too Close to Call -- NYT
Netanyahu claims victory in knife-edge Israel vote -- AFP
Netanyahu hails ‘a great victory for our people,’ though Herzog in no hurry to concede -- Times of Israel
Netanyahu, on Twitter, says won 'great victory' in Israel's election -- Reuters
Israel's Netanyahu declares victory in tight election race -- Al Jazeera
Exit polls show Israel rivals in dead heat -- Al Jazeera
Israeli polls close, race too close to call -- FOX News
Exit polls show Netanyahu’s Likud tied with Zionist Union in Israel elections -- RT
Standstill After Israeli Polls Close: Likud, Zionist Union Neck and Neck -- Sputnik
In close Israeli vote, Moshe Kahlon, leader of upstart centrist party, emerges as kingmaker -- AP
Likud celebrates surprise success in Israeli election -- Kevin Connoll, BBC News

Israeli TV Exit Polls Indicate That Prime Minister Netanyahu Will Retain His Premiership

Times of Israel: TV exit polls show Netanyahu likely to retain premiership

High turnout on polling day; Netanyahu says foreign money could topple Likud; despite his warnings of high Arab turnout, it lags 12 points behind Jewish; Jewish Home seen shrinking in final hours

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday as Israeli citizens headed for the ballots to vote for Israel’s 20th Knesset, bringing a heated campaign season to a close. Polls from the end of last week left options open for a tight race. TV exit polls were published at 10 p.m., as polling stations closed, after which official results began to roll in. The official final results won’t be publicized until Thursday.

WNU Editor: The official results will not be publicized until Thursday morning, but it appears that Benjamin Netayahu's party and his political allies will be forming the next government. This is quite a surprise .... polls before the election were indicating that Likud's support was at 21% .... but exit polls are now indicating a 27% to 28% result. Live updates on Israel's election results can be seen here.

Update: For more news on Israel's elections:

Israel Election -- Arutz Sheva
Israel election -- Haaretz
Israel News Coverage -- i24 news
Election coverage -- Times of Israel
Israel Election -- YNet news
Israel election live blog -- Haaretz
Race to the Knesset: Follow the latest Election Day updates -- Jerusalem Post
Israel Elections: Live Coverage of the Vote and Results -- NYT
Israeli elections: 4th term or end of Netanyahu era? LIVE UPDATES -- RT

WATCH LIVE: Israeli Election Results(English Broadcast)

Is The White House Interfering In Israel's Election?

FOX News: Source: Senate panel probing ‎possible Obama administration ties to anti-Netanyahu effort

A powerful U.S. Senate investigatory committee has launched a bipartisan probe into an American nonprofit’s funding of efforts to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the Obama administration’s State Department gave the nonprofit taxpayer-funded grants, a source with knowledge of the panel's activities told FoxNews.com.

The fact that both Democratic and Republican sides of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations have signed off on the probe could be seen as a rebuke to President Obama, who has had a well-documented adversarial relationship with the Israeli leader.

Update #1: Israeli Parties Hire U.S. Consultants for Election Win -- WSJ
Update #2: Israel elections: Benjamin Netanyahu claims foreign money is being used to help left-wing Zionist Union beat him -- The Independent

WNU Editor: This US Senate investigation is too late to make a difference.