Eisenkot says Israelis voted for change as exit polls show narrow lead
Gadi Eisenkot, the main challenger to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the election, said Israelis voted for change. His remarks came as exit polls showed his bloc ahead of Netanyahu's coalition by only a narrow margin, according to CNN Arabic. Eisenkot urged patience until results are known.
Why it matters A narrow gap in exit polls means the final picture may remain unsettled until official results are released. This matters for the region because the identity of Israel's next government shapes the course of several regional issues.
Israeli election turnout hits 77.7%, highest in decades, as tie opens four coalition paths
Israelis voted in legislative elections on Tuesday, with turnout reaching 77.7 percent, the highest in decades. Sky News Arabia reported that the results ended in what it described as a tie, leaving four possible scenarios for forming the next government.
Houthis claim strikes on Saudi sites including Ras Tanura refinery
The Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah, said it targeted several sites in Saudi Arabia, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ras Tanura refinery and Abha airport. The group said it used ballistic missiles and drones. Saudi Arabia has not yet commented on the claims.
