After counting almost all the votes in the Israeli general elections: “Blue White” party is in slight lead against the Likud, and Netanyahu calls on Gantz to form national unity government

The latest unofficial results, after more than 95 percent of the vote was counted in the Israeli general election, indicated late Wednesday that a blue-white alliance was ahead of the Likud party.

The Times of Israel reported that a blue-and-white coalition led by Benny Gantz won 33 seats and Likud 32.

The results, published earlier, indicated a blue-white coalition with 32 seats and Likud with 31.

The Likud, Blue and White seats came at the expense of Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party, which dropped from 9 to 8 seats, and the Arab Joint List, which dropped from 13 to 12.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called on his main rival, Benny Gantz, to form a unity government, after the results of Tuesday’s general election showed a close rapprochement between them, preventing one from forming a government coalition.

Netanyahu said in a video message that he favored “forming a right-wing coalition, but the election results showed that this is not possible”.

Netanyahu’s call is a major development after Tuesday’s general election and may not allow him to stay on as prime minister for 13 years.

“I called during the elections to form a right-wing government”, Netanyahu said.

“Unfortunately, the election results showed that this is not possible”.

“I called on Gantz today to form a” broad unity government”.

Gantz hasn’t yet responded to Netanyahu’s call but has repeatedly called for a unity government.

It is unclear whether Gantz will accept a unity government with Netanyahu, who faces possible corruption charges in the coming weeks.