CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: As counting in Israel’s general election progresses, suspense has deepened over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hold on power. Even after more than 93 percent of votes have been counted, no coalition appears to be getting a clear majority in parliament. According to early figures, the coalition led by Netanyahu is ahead on 53 seats, while the coalition led by opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is projected to get 48 seats. Arab parties are likely to get a total of 19 seats.

Netanyahu’s Likud party appears to be emerging as the largest party in the preliminary election figures. However, becoming the largest party is not enough in itself to form a government. Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has a total of 120 seats, and the support of 61 lawmakers is required to form a majority government. Netanyahu’s coalition currently has an estimated 53 seats, meaning it is eight seats short of the majority mark. The opposition coalition also does not appear to be in a position to secure a majority on its own.

The role of Arab parties may be crucial in the election results. The United Arab List and the Ra’am Party together are estimated to get around 19 seats. In such a situation, the support of these parties could prove decisive during government-formation talks. However, differences have emerged within the opposition camp over an alliance with these parties, which could make the process of forming a government more complicated.

Can Netanyahu remain prime minister? Despite not getting a majority, Netanyahu may continue as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. Political parties now face the challenge of gathering allies, forming a coalition government or considering other options. If no leader succeeds in securing a majority, the possibility of fresh elections in Israel may also arise.

For now, only the final election results and coalition negotiations will make it clear whether Israel’s leadership remains with Netanyahu or whether the opposition succeeds in forming an alternative government.

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