What has happened in the Israeli election

If until last night all eyes were on Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, now everyone is awaiting the decision of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to find out whom he will appoint to form the new government.

Herzog has clearly stated that he wants to prevent the country from going to elections again, whatever the cost.

Although Netanyahu has faced much criticism, and predictions have been made about his political future, he has not emerged from the elections significantly weakened. The unexpected support he received, as this election was seen as one that could greatly change the country's politics, seems to enable him to retain his position, at least as a caretaker prime minister.

With nearly 90 percent of the votes counted, major Israeli media reported that Netanyahu's coalition, consisting of right-wing, far-right, and religious conservative parties, is on track to secure 53 parliamentary seats.

This is more than the 48 seats predicted for the opposition coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot.

However, the most surprising result was achieved by the Arab parties of Israel and the Palestinians, who benefited from a high voter turnout, and are expected to win 19 seats in the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset.