Netanyahu vows to form ‘strong’ new right-wing government

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed early Wednesday to form a new government after a close election, saying no leader should rule through the backing of Israeli Arabs, whose parties posted strong gains.

“We must put in place a strong government of the right,” Netanyahu told cheering supporters.

“The Jewish and Zionist majority must unite,” Netanyahu said. “It is out of the question to have a government that is backed by Arab parties.”

The speech, delivered after 3am (0100 GMT), was short by Netanyahu’s standards and he did not directly claim victory, only noting that his Likud was projected to be the largest single party.

Israeli Arab parties posted strong gains and could allow the opposition to take power, although Netanyahu’s main rival Gadi Eisenkot has said he will not form a government with the minority group.