Third time lucky: Netanyahu pulls off surprise win under the shadow of corruption indictment

Despite shock success, the so-called magician is not out of the woods yet, writes Bel Trew

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu smiles after first exit poll results on Monday (AP)

Just a few months ago, after the last election, Israel’s longest serving prime minister stood marooned on stage at the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv to address a half-empty hall. There were more stale sandwiches on abandoned platters then there were audience members to eat them.

He had campaigned so hard his voice was hoarse. His vow to form a government fell as flat as the expressions on people’s faces.

The mythical coalition he promised crumbled before it was even made.