The first exit polls of the Israeli election spell victory for annexation of the Jordan Valley and settlements in Judea and Samaria, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Liberation Organization Saeb Erekat said late on Monday.
"It is obvious that settlement, occupation and apartheid have won the Israeli elections," Erekat, who is also the Palestinian Authority's chief negotiator, said on Twitter.
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With the first exit polls putting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his political rival Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party and giving his right-wing bloc around 60 seats, one short of the 61 majority, Erekat said that his possible victory would only yield more "violence, extremism and chaos."
It is obvious that settlement,occupation and apartheid , have won the Israeli elections. Netanyahu's campaign was about the continuation of the occupation and conflict. Which will force the people of the region to Live by the sword:continuation of violence , extremism and chaos
— Dr. Saeb Erakat الدكتور صائب عريقات (@ErakatSaeb) March 2, 2020
His comments came as Netanyahu and his bloc pledged to form a strong national government after gaining five seats compared to the September election outcome, as projected by the first exit polls.
It should be noted that the Joint Arab List faction, which comprises three separate Arab Israeli parties, is now the third-largest political faction in Israel.
While the exit polls have largely been reliable, the results are still not final. At 60 seats for the right-wing bloc, Israel might still head to a fourth vote, although the new balance of power in the Knesset could make it easier for Netanyahu's bloc to secure the majority by getting at least one defection.
Ahead of the election, Netanyahu vowed to move ahead with the annexation of the Jordan Valley and Judea and Samaria communities.
