Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud emerged as Israel's largest party with 27 seats, but his bloc secured only 53, leaving coalition negotiations and Arab parties' support crucial to government formation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu right-wing and far-right bloc came first but won only 53 seats, short of a majority. The opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot took 48. Arab-led parties won the remaining 19 and that gives them unprecedented leverage.

Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led alliance has won 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority. Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc secured 48 seats, while two Arab parties won a record 19 seats,

Blocs led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, were roughly even as vote counting continued on Wednesday. It could take weeks to form the next government.

Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t won in Israel’s elections. But he hasn’t lost, either — at least not yet. Now, he has to stop his rivals from building their own government.