Israel results leave Netanyahu bloc at 53 seats, short of majority

Final results from Israel’s election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies with 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, confirming they lost their parliamentary majority and opening the door to difficult coalition talks. The main opposition bloc won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties took 19 in a historic showing. The results still must be certified and sent to President Isaac Herzog next Wednesday, after which he will choose a lawmaker to try to form a government. If no one can assemble a 61-seat majority, Israel could face another election early next year. Likud also pushed unsupported claims that Arab parties had tainted the vote, while election officials said a probe into possible foreign interference would not affect the final tally.