Palestinians say Israeli election results prove 'rise in extremism'

PA's prime minister says results are testimony to the rise of racism, from which Palestinians have long suffered, in Israeli society; adds that there was no illusion next government could be partner for peace

Ynet, i24NEWS|
Palestinians have been reacting to the results of Israel's elections, with one senior official saying the outcome points to a "rise in extremism and racism" in the Israeli society.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter

  • Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said Wednesday, "the advance of far-right religious parties in Israeli elections... is testimony to the rise of extremism and racism in Israeli society and from which our people have suffered for years."
    2 View gallery
    מוחמד אשתייה ראש ממשלה פלסטינית פלסטיני פלסטינים הרשות הפלסטינית
    מוחמד אשתייה ראש ממשלה פלסטינית פלסטיני פלסטינים הרשות הפלסטינית
    Mohammed Shtayyeh
    (Photo: EPA)
    "We had no illusions that Israeli elections would produce a partner for peace," he added.
    After most of the votes were counted, former premier Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party appears to have come out victorious in the legislative elections with around 30 Knesset seats, ahead of the Yesh Atid's 24 seats.
    The Religious Zionism party, co-chaired by Betzalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, is projected to double its support with 14 to 15 seats.
    2 View gallery
    איתמר בן גביר
    איתמר בן גביר
    Itamar Ben-Gvir
    (Photo: Gadi Kabalo)
    With the coalition made up of Netanyahu's Likud, the far right Religious Zionism alliance and the ultra-Orthodox parties, the right wing and religious bloc is estimated to have a clear majority of 65 Knesset seats.
    If, however, the left-wing Meretz party and the Arab Balad faction were to pass the electoral threshold after 100% of votes are counted, Netanyahu's bloc could shrink to 62 seats.
    Comments
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    ""