Benjamin Netanyahu Claims Prime Minister Election Victory in Israel, Christians Respond

Mar 18, 2015 11:51 AM EDT

In one of the closest elections in recent Israeli history, Benjamin Netanyahu has declared victory in the re-election as Prime Minister of Israel, but many officials are still saying that it's too close to call.

Despite overwhelming media support and a favored 26-21 win for his opponent, Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu sent a message via his Twitter account to let the world know that he and his Likud party have won the election.

"Against all odds: a great victory for Likud, a great victory for the national camp led by Likud, a great victory for the people of Israel," he said.

Following up on this tweet, Likud minister Silvan Shalom told The Guardian, "The results were a very clear yes to prime minister Netanyahu and Likud to carry on leading. His results were very strong and beyond all the polls taken in the last few weeks. I know very many Israelis came out to vote Likud to keep the national camp and right wing in power and not allow the left wing take power."

In the last few months leading up to the election, many believed that Netanyahu didn't have a chance, judging by the lack of support from President Obama and other liberal politicians. But Netanyahu took to social media and the mainstream media through several speeches and TV appearances to make his message clear. 

As conservative news site Breibart explains, "Netanyahu had three messages: first, that if Israelis wanted him to return to power, they would have to vote for his party; second, that he would not allow a Palestinian state to be created despite earlier commitments; third, that foreign donors and governments were mobilizing Arab voters, including some who oppose Israel's existence, to turn out."

And the response from conservatives and fellow Christians on social media has been positive, cheering on the Israeli Prime Minister's come-from-behind win. "Looks like Netanyahu overcame the polls, his opponent, European leftists and Obama to win re-election today," New York Times best-selling author Dinesh S'Souza tweeted.

And as expected, most took a jab at Obama for his lack of support for Netanyahu during this election. "YEAH...B B wins again....God's man is back in power," another Twitter user said. "What do you think about that Mr. President?"

"#Netanyahu is not in confrontation with the world. The world is in confrontation with #Israel. WE #Christians must defend her & #Netanyahu," said another.

And perhaps the most poinant summary of Netanyahu from a conservative point of view comes from Fox News columnist Todd Starnes. "Netanyahu wins. Obama loses. The Lord is good."