BICOM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was clearly the big winner in yesterday’s general election. However, there was also relative success for Moshe Kahlon’s Kulanu Party and the Joint Arab List. Among those likely to be disappointed by yesterday’s showing is Jewish Home.

The expected enthusiasm among Israel’s Arab citizens for the Joint Arab List appeared to materialise. The faction, led by Ayman Odeh, is an amalgamation of four existing small parties, which yesterday became the Knesset’s third largest party, winning 14 seats and potentially providing the Arab community with a powerful united political voice. Odeh commented, “The list is a success story. More than 65% of the Arab public voted, and that was a positive referendum for the list and its future.”

Meanwhile, Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon is likely to become a major political power-broker, having won 10 seats, which could be crucial as Netanyahu looks to form a coalition. Kahlon called the vote a “great result” and commented “This election has caused rifts and polarization in our nation. This is the time to mend, to unite.”

Yesh Atid, the surprise package of the 2013 election, saw their representation fall from 19 to 12 seats. Nonetheless, leader Yair Lapid said that his party had solidified its position, commenting “We are the biggest centrist party, and will remain a political force for many years to come.”

Jewish Home also saw its share of the vote cut significantly, winning just eight seats. Although the party appeared to lose votes to Likud, Jewish Home will almost certainly be part of Netanyahu’s government. Leader Naftali Bennett described Jewish Home as a “long distance runner” adding “We’re not afraid and we’re not lowering our heads.” Avigdor Leiberman’s Yisrael Beitenu finds itself is a similar position, with just 5 seats, but a likely coalition member.

Meretz allayed fears of being wiped out, crossing the electoral threshold to win four seats. Nonetheless, reports this morning indicate that leader Zahava Gal-On will resign.