Special Coverage

Democratic Union No. 2 Stav Shaffir: We need to keep fighting.

If elections were only held in Tel Aviv, Benny Gantz would be prime minister, as Blue and White garners 37% of the vote in Israel's secular bastion. In Jerusalem, which has many more Orthodox Jews and right-wing voters, the governing party Likud got 23%, in virtual tie with ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism.

Yisrael Beytenu senior official to Israel Hayom: Party chief will do "everything" to have a Likud MK other than PM Benjamin Netanyahu establish the next government. "There is only one option – a national unity government," Lieberman tells reporters.

Ayman Odeh: Our votes prevented Prime Minister Netanyahu from establishing a government. That's something historic. MK Ahmad Tibi says his party will not join coalition or government with Benny Gantz.

Official says recently elected party leader Amir Peretz inherited a party that was "wrecked," with a deficit of 8 million shekels, many of whose veteran and popular members jumped ship.

Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked reportedly told party officials that she would resign if Yamina failed to win more than seven seats. National Union, Habayit Hayehudi announce split from Yamina list.

A unity government is the best solution to the challenges Israel is facing in terms of security and defense, diplomacy, and domestic social issues.

Neither large party has a clear path to forming a majority government. Potential kingmaker Avigdor Lieberman: National unity government is the "one and only option" on the table. PM Netanyahu: I will seek the formation of a new Zionist government that excludes Arab parties. Benny Gantz: We will work to set up a broad national government.

Blue and White leader says political contacts with other parties are already underway, adding, “I mean to talk to everyone. We will work to set up a broad national government that will express the will of the people." Yair Lapid: In the coming days, everyone will need patience. Senior Blue and White member Zvi Hauser: We will act with full force to set up a unity government.

We can complain about the candidates, we can shut our ears to the mudslinging, and hold our nose to avoid the stink of fakery – but we can also vote, and by doing so, choose the type of country we want to leave for our children and our grandchildren.