Israel’s parliamentary elections failed to produce the majority needed to form the next government. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp nor the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot managed to secure enough seats.
According to the final results, Netanyahu’s Likud and its right-wing and ultra-Orthodox allies won 53 seats in the Knesset, which has a total of 120 seats. The opposition led by Eisenkot won 48 seats.
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Arab parties, with 19 seats in total, achieved a historic result and are expected to play a key role in talks on forming the government. At least 61 lawmakers are needed to secure a parliamentary majority.
However, reaching an agreement appears difficult. Several opposition parties, including those of Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman, have opposed cooperation with the Arab parties, complicating the formation of a government against Netanyahu.
Another alternative would be the creation of a national unity government involving Likud and several opposition parties. But this option faces obstacles, as Eisenkot has ruled out the possibility of governing together with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu could also seek the support of individual lawmakers from the opposing camp.
If the negotiations fail to result in the formation of a government, the country could hold early elections again and the political crisis could continue.
President Isaac Herzog will hold consultations with representatives of the political parties before tasking one of the candidates with forming the government. The process could take several weeks. Until a new cabinet is formed, Netanyahu will continue to serve as caretaker prime minister.
