Political paralysis in Israel could leave behind a caretaker government with Benjamin Netanyahu at its helm.  

With most votes counted, the incumbent's just ahead of his rival Gadi Eisenkot, with 53 seats to 48.   

The Arab parties are on a record 19 seats, and the 61 seats needed to govern are beyond the reach of all sides.  

CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge coalition talks could drag on for weeks, with Netanyahu still in charge in the meantime.  

She says it basically means his government's still the government and can do anything it was previously doing. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Political paralysis in Israel could leave behind a caretaker government with Benjamin Netanyahu at its helm. &nbsp;
With most votes counted, the incumbent's just ahead of his rival Gadi Eisenkot, with 53 seats to 48. &nbsp;&nbsp;
The Arab parties are on a record 19 seats, and the 61 seats needed to govern are beyond the reach of all sides. &nbsp;
CBS Middle East correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge coalition talks could drag on for weeks, with Netanyahu still in charge in the meantime. &nbsp;
She says it basically means his government's still the government and can do anything it was previously doing.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Linda Gradstein: CBS Middle East Correspondent on the latest from Israel's election

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ac341a53-0f5f-4fb7-ba90-b4f1016420ad/transcript