Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was the first world leader to congratulate Netanyahu on Wednesday morning
Apr 10, 2019
Headlines around the world announced Wednesday that Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be headed toward a historic fifth term as Israel’s prime minister — and each has their own unique take on the election race.
The outcome affirmed Israel’s continued tilt to the right and seemingly further dimmed hopes of a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reelection will also give Netanyahu an important boost as he braces for the likelihood of criminal charges over a series of corruption scandals.
With 97.4 percent of the vote counted, Likud and its traditional political allies were in command of a 65-55 majority in parliament. A couple of small parties were still teetering along the electoral threshold and fighting for their survival, so the final makeup of the next Knesset has yet to be decided. Final results are expected Thursday.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz become the first world leader to congratulate Netanyahu on Wednesday morning, tweeting: “Congratulations to Prime Minister @netanyahu for an excellent showing in yesterday’s national elections. While the official results have yet not been published, one matter is clear: you have — once again — gained the trust of the people of #Israel in record numbers.”
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