Netanyahu bloc emerges ahead in Israeli election but fails to secure majority

Final results from Israel's pivotal legislative election this week showed there was no clear winner, with both of the two main blocs well short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc finished on 53 seats, while the opposition camp, led by the centrist Yashar party of rival Gadi Eisenkot, ended on 48. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party remained the largest party, with 27 seats, while the Arab parties secured a record 19 seats between them. The result means Israel is now set to face a lengthy and likely tricky period of negotiations as party leaders work to form a government. Failure to do so would see Israelis head back to the polls.