Netanyahu’s Bloc Loses Parliamentary Majority In Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc has lost its parliamentary majority after securing 53 seats in the country’s 120-member parliament, leaving the formation of a new government uncertain.

The final election results, released early Friday, showed that the main opposition bloc won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured 19 seats, according to the Associated Press (AP).

A coalition needs at least 61 seats to command a majority in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

The outcome means Netanyahu’s bloc cannot form a government on its own, setting the stage for negotiations among parties with different political and ideological positions.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, remains in office while the parties explore possible alliances.

The opposition, led by centrist politician Gadi Eisenkot, could potentially secure a majority by working with the Arab-led parties.

However, such an arrangement could prove politically difficult, as some opposition parties had ruled out partnering with them during the campaign.

Another possibility is a unity government involving Netanyahu’s bloc and some opposition parties, although negotiations could prove difficult, AP reported.

The Arab-led parties’ 19 seats represent a historic showing and could make them influential in determining the formation of the next government.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his Likud party alleged that Arab-led parties stole the election, potentially with foreign assistance. However, the claims were not substantiated.

“The right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public, among the Jewish public and all those who support the Jewish state. That is what has become clear. A decisive majority.

“We must form a strong, national, right-wing government. That is what must be done,” the BBC quoted Netanyahu as telling his celebrating supporters.

Reacting to the outcome, Eisenkot said, “The public has chosen change. The coalition of failure has lost the people’s trust. The Israeli public voted against Benjamin Netanyahu continuing as prime minister.”

Israel’s election committee said allegations of systematic violations of electoral integrity were baseless, while the Shin Bet security agency said its investigation into possible interference was not intended to cast suspicion on Arab voters.

The results are expected to be certified and submitted to President Isaac Herzog next Wednesday. Herzog will then ask a politician to form a government, taking into account consultations with party leaders.

If attempts to form a government fail, Israel could hold another election early next year.

The new Knesset is expected to be sworn in on November 10. Before a new government is formed, the opposition and Arab-led parties could also work together to elect a parliamentary speaker and influence the legislature’s agenda.