Israel: final results leave Netanyahu's coalition short of majority

According to final results released by Israel's Central Elections Committee, the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to reach the majority needed to form a government.

According to the results, pro-Netanyahu groups have won 53 seats, opposition groups 48, and Arab parties 19. At least 61 lawmakers' support is needed to form a government in the 120-member Knesset.

According to The Times of Israel, Likud, which won 27 seats, is the largest party, followed by Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar with 21 seats as the second largest. B'yachad won 12 seats and the United List won 11, while the Democrats and Ram each won eight. Sas and Religious Zionism each took six seats.

77.9 percent of voters turned out in Tuesday's election.

The 19 seats won by Arab-led parties are seen as a historic achievement, but major Jewish parties appear unwilling to accept their support.

The final official results will be submitted to President Isaac Herzog on November 4. The president will consult party representatives and select the candidate most likely to be able to form a government. Newly elected Knesset members will take their oath on November 10.