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Updated September 19th, 2019 at 14:37 IST

Benjamin Netanyahu's stare contest goes viral as he cancels UN visit

A video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a staring contest in UN went viral on the internet after he cancelled his visit to United Nations

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
Benjamin Netanyahu
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After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled his visit to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York amidst uncertain political future, a video of him in a staring contest went viral on the internet. Netanyahu was not pleased with the General Assembly for not responding to Iran's threat to Israel and he gave the silent treatment to the UNGA for over 45 seconds. Netanyahu, known for resorting to shticks to deliver his message, stood silently in front of the packed room, glaring into the crowd. He was listed for the third and final day as 12th speaker at UNGA. 

Read: Israel: Netanyahu Cancels UNGA Visit After Exit Polls Prediction

Netanyahu's record at UNGA

The latest trends showed that Netanyahu’s party Likud might be heading towards a deadlock with its main rival party Blue and White. Netanyahu has not missed any General Assembly’s main debate except one in 2010 since he rose to power in 2009. US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Netanyahu, on Wednesday told reporters that he was yet to speak to Netanyahu after the elections. “We knew it would be close,” said the President. “We’ll see what happens. Our relationship is with Israel,” he added pointing towards the fact that the US-Israel relationship will not change with change in leadership. 

Read: Israel: Netanyahu Trails Blue And White By 31-32 Seats Say Exit Polls

Deadlock after elections

The longest-serving Prime Minister of Israel is seeking a fourth consecutive term and fifth overall. According to the Central Election Committee of Israel, the centrist Blue and White party was ahead of centre-right Likud, leading with 33 seats against Likud’s 32. More than 90 per cent of the votes were counted and the trends showed power slipping from the hands of Netanyahu. Israeli unicameral legislature, called Knesset, has 120 seats and any governing coalition would require at least 61 seats to claim government formation. The centre-left seems to have 56 seats against 55 seats of Netanyahu-led bloc of right-wing and ultra-orthodox parties.

Read: Benjamin Netanyahu Confident Of Reelection Despite Deadlock Exit Polls

Avigdor Lieberman’s hard-line Yisrael Beiteinu is expected to get 8-10 seats and has the ability to become the kingmaker. But Lieberman, an ally-turned-rival of Netanyahu, asserted that he will not join any coalition. “The picture is clear...There is only one option and it's a broad liberal unity government," said Lieberman, which apparently comprises of Likud, Blue and White, and Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu. While there has no clear picture of the next government of Israel.

Read: 'Netanyahu's Likud Party Is Projected To Win 30-33 Seats': Exit Polls

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Published September 19th, 2019 at 11:51 IST

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