[Anchor]

Exit polls from the Israeli general election indicate that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition nor the anti-Netanyahu opposition will secure a majority of seats. If these results hold, the question of a regime change will depend on future coalition government formation negotiations.

[Reporter] Baegun has the details.

[Reporter]

Long lines formed in front of a polling station in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Held following Hamas's surprise attack in October 2023 and the subsequent war, the general election saw voter enthusiasm easily surpass the turnout from four years ago.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, who put up billboards featuring himself alongside wartime partner Trump, appealed for support until the very end by putting national security first.

[Benjamin Netanyahu / Prime Minister of Israel: (At stake in this election) is the question of whether we will have a strong right-wing government or a government of the left and Arab parties that will destroy the Israel we know.]

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition Yeshar Party, urged citizens to vote, emphasizing that an overwhelming victory was necessary to prevent any possibility of Netanyahu refusing to accept the results.

[Gadi Eisenkot / Leader of Israel's Yeshar Party: Do not give up because of the heat or obstacles. We must protect our goal until the end. We must replace the worst government since the founding of the state.]

In exit polls released immediately after voting closed at 10:00 p.m. local time on the 27th, the anti-Netanyahu bloc projected 52 to 53 seats, while the pro-Netanyahu bloc projected 50 seats. Both sides fell short of the 61-seat majority required in the 120-seat parliament.

If neither camp secures a majority as exit polls suggest, the future of the government is expected to hinge on subsequent coalition-building efforts.

If Netanyahu fails to return to power, his ongoing corruption trial could accelerate, and accountability debates over allegations that he ignored signs of the Hamas attack three years ago could effectively end his political career.

On the other hand, if Netanyahu—who has vowed to carry out fresh strikes on Iran—succeeds in regaining power, the Middle East conflict could escalate further.

(Video Editing: Kim Ho-jin)