Israel Election Fallout... Opposition Protests: "Oust Netanyahu"

Arab parties' 19 seats make them kingmakers in coalition talks
Disagreements over alliances within the opposition prolong political uncertainty

With no party securing a majority in Israel's general election, opposition supporters took to the streets to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yonhap News Agency

According to AFP on November 1, hundreds of opposition supporters held rallies the previous day in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, calling for an anti-Netanyahu alliance that includes Arab parties.

In the general election held late last month, the right-wing bloc led by Prime Minister Netanyahu won 53 of the 120 seats. The anti-Netanyahu bloc took 48 seats, while Arab parties won 19. With neither bloc securing the 61 seats needed for a majority, Arab parties emerged as kingmakers in coalition talks. Opposition supporters argue that Jewish opposition parties and Arab parties should join forces to secure a 67-seat majority.

However, the opposition is divided over cooperating with Arab parties. Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, emphasized the need to form a "Zionist government" that does not rely on Arab parties. By contrast, Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing Democrats, supports forming a government backed by Arab parties.

Right-wing opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu has said it will not join a coalition if Arab parties participate in it or support it from outside. Prime Minister Netanyahu also opposed cooperation with Arab parties, saying it "would be a disaster for Israel."

Meanwhile, President Isaac Herzog is expected to give the mandate to form a government to the party leader most likely to form a coalition, no later than November 5. Coalition negotiations are allotted 28 days initially, with a possible 14-day extension.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.