Israel election: Record turnout leaves Netanyahu and opposition short of a majority

Israel’s election exit polls point to a political deadlock, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc projected to win 50 seats and the opposition bloc 52. Neither side has the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. Voter turnout reached 77.7%, the highest since 1999, according to the figures reported by Al Jazeera. Turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel was also reported to be around 80%, marking a historic level of participation. From Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera correspondent Noor Odeh reports on the coalition negotiations ahead, the role of Arab parties and the political significance of their projected 18 seats. Political analyst Abid Abu Shahada discusses the implications for Palestinian citizens of Israel and the risks of continued political deadlock. Israeli author and political commentator Alex Hay Pard examines the decline in support for Netanyahu’s coalition, the performance of far-right parties and the potential paths to forming a government. The exit poll figures remain preliminary. Final results and negotiations over possible coalition partners will determine whether either bloc can secure a parliamentary majority. Al Jazeera's Noor Odeh reports from Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #aljazeeraenglish #BreakingNews #aljazeeralivenews #aljazeeraenglish #IsraelElection #BenjaminNetanyahu #IsraelPolitics #Palestinians #AlJazeera