The fourth election in just two years brought a stinging rebuke for Netanyahu, the most dominant figure in Israeli politics in a generation.
Under Israel’s fragmented political system, Netanyahu could still try to reach across the aisle and cobble together a governing coalition.
“It is clear that Netanyahu does not have a majority to form a government under his leadership,” said Gideon Saar, one of the former Netanyahu allies who now oppose him.
According to the final results released by Israel’s election commission, Netanyahu and his allies captured 52 seats, compared to 57 held by his opponents.
His opponents, however, say Netanyahu is untrustworthy and has bungled many aspects of the coronavirus crisis.