Ayelet Shaked receives just 80,000 votes, throws support behind Netanyahu

Ayelet Shaked thanked her supporters for voting for her and expressed hope that a stable right-wing government would be formed by Netanyahu in the coming days.

 Ayelet Shaked, Interior Minister and head of the Jewish Home party casts her vote at a voting station in Tel Aviv, during the Knesset Elections, on November 01, 2022.  (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)
Ayelet Shaked, Interior Minister and head of the Jewish Home party casts her vote at a voting station in Tel Aviv, during the Knesset Elections, on November 01, 2022.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

Despite her best efforts, Ayelet Shaked's Habayit Hayehudi fell far below the electoral threshold after voting closed on Tuesday night, with just 80,000 votes, or around 1.8% of the total number of votes, far below the 3.25% threshold.

Shaked thanked party activists for their support, telling them that they had "fought like lions" throughout the election period.

"We knew it was a very difficult battle, but we went with our truth, with our ideology. And our voice is an important voice, and we will continue to make it heard," she said.

"And to Benjamin Netanyahu, if the results are indeed correct, congratulations, good luck, and may he get to establish a right-wing government for four years that will return the country to function."

 THEN-PRIME MINISTER Naftali Bennett speaks to Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked in the Kneset plenum, in May. (credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)
THEN-PRIME MINISTER Naftali Bennett speaks to Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked in the Kneset plenum, in May. (credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

In the weeks running up to the elections, Shaked continued to poll below the threshold, yet was determined to continue in the race rather than withdraw.

Following the exit poll results, former prime minister Naftali Bennett spoke in support of his former longtime political partner, saying:  "I would like to express my appreciation tonight to the chairman of Habayit Hayehudi and the Interior Minister, Ayelet Shaked, who fought like a real fighter for her values and beliefs."