Netanyahu says waiting for results, but Israel needs ‘strong’ government

Tel Aviv (AFP) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Wednesday he was waiting for results in the country’s general election, but that he was prepared for negotiations to form a “strong Zionist government.”

“In the coming days, we will enter into negotiations to establish a strong Zionist government and to prevent a dangerous anti-Zionist government,” he told supporters at a post-election rally in Tel Aviv.

He spoke as exit polls showed a tight race between his right-wing Likud and ex-military chief Benny Gantz’s centrist Blue and White alliance.