Arab parties extend a hand to try to topple Netanyahu but challenges remain
The Arab-led bloc’s 19 seats could help Gadi Eisenkot secure a majority, but some opposition allies oppose partnering with Arab parties.
- Following the October 27, 2026, general election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats while opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc won 48, leaving both far short of the 61-seat majority required to form a government.
- Arab-Led parties won a record 19 seats after turnout surged to about 80%, positioning them as kingmakers. This surge reflects widespread opposition to nationalist ministers including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
- Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen stated his party is ready to back an alternative government, saying, "We are ready for political cooperation." Opposition leaders, however, set conditions including denouncing Hamas as a terrorist organization.
- President Isaac Herzog began consultations Thursday to determine which candidate receives the first mandate to form a government. United Torah Judaism, a traditional Netanyahu ally, declined to recommend any candidate, weakening the prime minister's position.
- Without a 61-seat majority, the country faces potential new elections if no governing coalition emerges within the 28-day mandate period. Herzog must navigate deep political divisions to select a candidate capable of breaking the parliamentary impasse.
199 Articles
199 Articles
Political consultations ongoing in Israel to form new government
Consultations between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and political parties to form a new government in Israel are set to conclude on Thursday, more than a week after divisive general elections.
Allied with Likud since 1996, Unified Judaism of the Torah announced on Thursday 5 November that it would not recommend the outgoing Prime Minister, discontented with the threat that religious students face of having to do their military service.
An ultra-Orthodox party allied for three decades to Benyamin Netanyahu refused on Thursday to support the outgoing Prime Minister who aspires to form the next Israeli government, a disavowal that strengthens his main rival Gadi Eisenkot.
Netanyahu’s position weakens as ultra-Orthodox party withholds support
By Maayan Lubell and Alexander Cornwell JERUSALEM, Nov 5 (Reuters) – Benjamin Netanyahu’s position in the post-election battle to stay on as Israel’s prime minister weakened on Thursday after an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party withheld support for any nominee and an Arab-led party endorsed his main opponent. Israel’s president was due to meet Netanyahu and his chief political rival Gadi Eisenkot to decide which of the two men to pick to form a gove…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
