Preliminary results showed Wednesday that Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s Kadima party won most seats in the parliament.

Another two hawkish parties of Yisrael Beiteinu and the ultra-Orthodox Shas had 15 and 11 seats respectively, with the labor gaining only 13.

Though earlier exit polls showed Livni with a slight lead, but strong gains by right-wing parties overall would make it extremely difficult to form a unity government. Overall, the right-wing parties got a majority of 64 seats in the parliament.

Earlier Wednesday, Livni claimed winner of the election and called on Netanyahu to join a Kadima-led unity government.

“Today the people have chosen Kadima,” Livni told supporters in Tel Aviv.

“Today all that remains is … to do what is right for Israel at this time particularly in the face of the political, security and economic challenges both at home and abroad and to join a unity government led by us,” Livni said.

Netanyahu also claimed victory.

“With God’s help, I will lead the next government,” Netanyahu told supporters, adding that the national camp led by the Likud has won a clear advantage.

According to the percentage of votes each party garnered, most analysts predicted a harsh political wrangling following Tuesday’s vote on forming the next government.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet