Intel: How Netanyahu's push for redo elections backfired
![ISRAEL-ELECTION/NETANYAHU VOTES Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during Israel's parliamentary election at a polling station in Jerusalem September 17, 2019. Heidi Levine/Pool via REUTERS - RC1633543E50](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/09/RTX73AJ2.jpg/RTX73AJ2.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=0zIgfZMo)
Israeli exit polls show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and its allies failing to secure a governing majority, leaving the rival Blue and White party of Benny Gantz with a small lead. The results are a big letdown for Netanyahu, who called the new vote after failing to establish a government following the April elections. Once again, Avigdor Liberman, the head of the secular right-wing Yisrael Beitenu party, is refusing to join Netanyahu because of his ultra-Orthodox allies.
Why it matters: Netanyahu, who has been in power for a decade, is under investigation in several bribery cases. Staying in power and getting an immunity law passed may be his best chance at avoiding indictment.