As Israel counted votes from Tuesday’s parliamentary election, the European Union said it would seek engagement with the next government to advance cooperation and support regional stability.
At the 85.6% count, Israeli media projected 53 seats for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc, leaving it eight seats below a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Ynet, an Israeli news website, projected 48 seats for the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot and 19 for predominantly Arab parties.
In Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the EU would approach the next government through its long-standing relationship with Israel and its commitment to democratic principles and common values.
He called it “frank and open dialogue” and said it would tackle concerns, expand bilateral work and contribute to regional security and a just, lasting peace. He welcomed Israelis’ participation in the vote and said turnout reflected what he called a “vibrant democracy.”
