Israel's election has delivered a dramatic political showdown, with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc emerging ahead of its main rival but falling short of a parliamentary majority. Preliminary projections put Netanyahu's bloc at 53 seats, the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot at 48, and Arab-led parties at a combined 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset. At least 61 seats are needed to secure a majority. With coalition negotiations looming, Netanyahu's next political move could prove crucial. US President Donald Trump has also indicated he may look at the situation, adding another international dimension to Israel's political uncertainty.