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Rockets fly from Gaza to Israel after Netanyahu's win

One was successfully intercepted by Iron Dome defense missile defense system

Pictures of the Week-Global-Photo Gallery Former Israeli Prime Minister and the head of Likud party, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his wife Sara gesture after first exit poll results for the Israeli Parliamentary election at his party's headquarters in Jerusalem | AP

Hours after far-ring wing leader and Israel’s longest-serving prime minister stormed back to power, rockets began to fly from Gaza towards Israel.

Latest reports from Israel said four rockets were fired from Gaza. Of these, three of them fell within the enclave, and one was successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome defense missile defense system. Islamic Jihad has reportedly claimed responsibility for the rocket launches in "response to the assassination of the commander of the Al-Quds Brigades in Jenin." 

The Israeli army too retailiated to the attack by focusing on targets the Gaza Strip.

This comes as Israel is witnessing the strong return of the far-right Religious Zionism/Jewish Power bloc, which could potentially worsen the Israel-Palestine conflict as they are proponets of the settler movements.

Meanwhile, Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid has conceded defeat in the elections and congratulated Netanyahu on his victory after the final results confirmed his comeback.

"The State of Israel comes before any political consideration," Lapid said. "I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the State of Israel."

Lapid's office added, in a statement, that the Prime Minister also instructed his entire office to prepare an organised transition of power. 

Netanyahu's return is expected to end an unprecedented stalemate in Israel after five elections in less than four years. Of the 120 seats in the parliament, the coalition won won 64 seats with 32 of those seats going to Netanyahu’s party, Likud.

This has also paved way for the formation of what would be the most right-wing government in Israeli history. His allies include the far-right Religious Zionism/Jewish Power bloc, which reportedly has more than doubled the number of seats it holds, the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism and religious Sephardi party Shas. 

Modi congratulates Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu, with a tweet which read, "Mazel Tov my friend @netanyahu for your electoral success. I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to deepen the India-Israel strategic partnership."

Modi also thanked Lapid for giving priority to the India-Israel strategic partnership. "I hope to continue our fruitful exchange of ideas for the mutual benefit of our peoples," Modi said.

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