A composite of Eisenkot and Netanyahu facing away from each other. Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images and AFP via Getty Images
ByJames LandaleDiplomatic correspondent, Reporting fromJerusalem
  • Published12 minutes ago

"Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried." So said Winston Churchill in the House of Commons in 1947.

His aphorism came to mind as Israel's election results filtered through on Tuesday night - exit polls blending with ballots that were cast to dash or fulfil people's hopes and fears.

This election has, in some ways, been a celebration of democracy. Voters turning out in record numbers, Jews and Arabs alike. Many spent thousands to fly in from abroad to cast their ballot.