Benjamin Netanyahu declares victory, thanks citizens for their trust

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares victory for right-wing parties, following the exit polls.

“The right-wing bloc led by Likud won a clear victory. I thank the citizens of Israel for your trust. I will start assembling a right-wing government with our natural partners this very evening,” he tweets.

Benjamin Netanyahu photo/ donkey hotey

After the media continued to cover faux “declaration” of victories, it was Bibi and his party who was again on top in the Jewish state.

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.

Fox News’ Doug Shoen outlines why Netanyahu will remain in power.

“Once election results are finalized Wednesday, coalition building will be difficult and lengthy. It is also important to bear in mind that, given the close nature of the race, smaller political parties will likely have a larger impact in the coming days on coalition building,” Shoen writes, noting the importance of President Trump and U.S. relations in the coalition plans.

“Netanyahu touted his good relationship with Trump in his campaign, focusing on his success in building strong ties to the U.S. president and saying he is in the best position to work with Trump for Israel’s benefit in the future.”

“It is a night of colossal victory,” the 69-year-old Netanyahu told supporters in a late-night speech at Likud headquarters after Tuesday’s vote.

Austria’s Sebastian Kurz tweeted his congratulations: “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.”