AP: Netanyahu, Livni declare win in Israeli election (it's clear as mud.)

[laststeamtrain]

Netanyahu, Livni declare win in Israeli election

By STEVEN GUTKIN, Associated Press Writer – 27 mins ago

JERUSALEM – Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and hard-line rival Benjamin Netanyahu both claimed victory in Israel's parliamentary election Tuesday, which early returns suggested was too close to call. With 67 percent of the votes counted, Livni's centrist Kadima Party had 29 seats in the 120-seat parliament while Netanyahu's hawkish Likud Party was right behind with 28, Israel's Channel 1 television said.

However, soldiers' votes on bases across the country weren't being tallied until Thursday evening, which could shift the results by a seat or two.

Regardless of who gets the most votes, Netanyahu's Likud Party appeared to have the upper hand in forming a ruling coalition thanks to strong showing by other right-wing parties.

"With God's help, I will lead the next government," Netanyahu told a raucous crowd of cheering supporters chanting his nickname, Bibi, early Wednesday. "The national camp, led by the Likud, has won a clear advantage."

Soon after, Livni took the stage before a crowd of flag-waving supporters and flashed a V-for victory sign. "Today the people chose Kadima. ... We will form the next government led by Kadima," she declared.

Exit polls had earlier showed Livni with a slight lead, but strong gains by right-wing parties overall would make it difficult, and perhaps impossible, for her to form a government.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090211/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_election_36

[Sebastian Doyle]

1. If God actually helps NuttyYahoo get elected

then pack your bags, it's Armegeddon time :nuke: