Narrow lead for Netanyahu's bloc with nearly half of Israeli votes counted

As of 5:00 AM, 41.9% of the votes have been counted in Israel's elections, with potential changes in seat distribution. Exit polls indicated a close race, suggesting that Arab and Palestinian parties could play a crucial role with around 16 seats. Yashar, led by Eisenkot, is collaborating with other parties and is open to support from Palestinian factions, a sensitive issue for Netanyahu. Preliminary results are expected to be finalized by Friday, with an official announcement on November 6. President Herzog will appoint a party leader to initiate coalition talks, with a new government potentially formed by the end of the year. If no coalition is formed within 42 days, another leader will have the chance to try, or new elections may be called.