<p class="title">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Wednesday he was waiting for results in the country's general election, but that he was prepared for negotiations to form a "strong Zionist government."</p>.<p class="bodytext">"In the coming days, we will enter into negotiations to establish a strong Zionist government and to prevent a dangerous anti-Zionist government," he told supporters at a post-election rally in Tel Aviv.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><strong>READ: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/it-appears-pm-lost-gantz-netanyahus-election-rival-762188.html" target="_blank">It appears PM lost: Gantz, Netanyahu's election rival</a></strong></p>.<p class="bodytext">He spoke as exit polls from Tuesday's vote showed a tight race between his right-wing Likud and ex-military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White alliance.</p>.<p class="bodytext">With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Netanyahu seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government, but did not specifically say so.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/exit-polls-show-netanyahu-behind-main-rival-gantz-762200.html" target="_blank">Exit polls show Netanyahu behind main rival Gantz</a></strong></p>.<p class="bodytext">The "anti-Zionist" reference was directed at Israel's Arab parties, with exit polls showing they could become the third-largest force in parliament.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Those parties, running under the Joint List alliance, have said they could potentially back Gantz for premier, which could block Netanyahu from receiving the chance to form a government.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister. He is facing potential corruption charges in the weeks ahead, but would not be required to step down if indicted.</p>
<p class="title">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Wednesday he was waiting for results in the country's general election, but that he was prepared for negotiations to form a "strong Zionist government."</p>.<p class="bodytext">"In the coming days, we will enter into negotiations to establish a strong Zionist government and to prevent a dangerous anti-Zionist government," he told supporters at a post-election rally in Tel Aviv.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><strong>READ: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/it-appears-pm-lost-gantz-netanyahus-election-rival-762188.html" target="_blank">It appears PM lost: Gantz, Netanyahu's election rival</a></strong></p>.<p class="bodytext">He spoke as exit polls from Tuesday's vote showed a tight race between his right-wing Likud and ex-military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White alliance.</p>.<p class="bodytext">With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Netanyahu seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government, but did not specifically say so.</p>.<p class="bodytext"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/exit-polls-show-netanyahu-behind-main-rival-gantz-762200.html" target="_blank">Exit polls show Netanyahu behind main rival Gantz</a></strong></p>.<p class="bodytext">The "anti-Zionist" reference was directed at Israel's Arab parties, with exit polls showing they could become the third-largest force in parliament.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Those parties, running under the Joint List alliance, have said they could potentially back Gantz for premier, which could block Netanyahu from receiving the chance to form a government.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister. He is facing potential corruption charges in the weeks ahead, but would not be required to step down if indicted.</p>