Netanyahu attacks Palestinian-Israeli parties as he falls short of majority

▲ Escalating

Netanyahu falls short of a majority and targets Arab parties as count ends

With all votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc lacks a majority, and opposition parties could in theory join with Palestinian-Israeli parties to unseat him. On Thursday Netanyahu attacked those parties and claimed Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to steal the election, drawing accusations of smear tactics. He and allies urged Shin Bet to investigate alleged vote buying and irregularities in Palestinian communities in Israel, and the Central Elections Committee asked the Shin Bet chief to look into alleged foreign interference, including suspected Qatari funding. No government is yet in place, and the president has urged parties to form a coalition and avoid new elections.

• With over 90% counted, Netanyahu's bloc had 53 seats and the opposition 67, including 48 for Eisenkot's centrist bloc and 19 for Arab-majority parties.
• Most Jewish opposition parties rule out governing with Palestinian-led parties, which could let Netanyahu remain in office as caretaker.
• Netanyahu earlier called a coalition with Arab parties 'a disgrace and a shame'.
• Official results are due on November 4.