Anti-Netanyahu Camp Kicks Off Coalition Talks... Arab Party Cooperation Is 'Key'

Anti-Netanyahu Camp Wins 67 Seats in Election

Jewish Zionist Parties Secure Just 48; 19 Arab-Party Seats Emerge as Wild Card

President to Begin Government-Formation Consultations on Nov. 4

Although the opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a majority in the Knesset in Israel's general election, a change of government is expected to face significant hurdles. The opposition leader has begun efforts to form a coalition government, but cooperation with Arab parties has emerged as a stumbling block.

19 Arab Seats Emerge as a Coalition Wild Card

A woman walks past a banner featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Jerusalem on the 28th of last month (local time), the day after Israel's general election. Reuters-Yonhap News.

According to local media outlets, including The Times of Israel, on October 31 (local time), Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot said in a statement that day that he would seek to form a coalition government. He described the general election held on October 27 as a judgment on the Netanyahu government and draft evasion.

"A majority of the Israeli people, by a margin of more than 500,000 votes, opposed the government responsible for October 7 and draft evasion, and chose change," Eisenkot said. "In Israel, the Knesset gives the government its confidence, not the other way around." He underscored the legitimacy of a change in government.

He pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry to determine responsibility for failing to prevent Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, expand compulsory military service, and repeal the judicial overhaul legislation advanced by the Netanyahu government.

In the election, the anti-Netanyahu camp won 67 of the Knesset's 120 seats, ahead of the incumbent coalition's 53. However, Jewish Zionist parties won only 48 of those seats, while the remaining 19 went to two non-Zionist Arab parties. Most Jewish opposition leaders have previously ruled out cooperation with Arab parties.

Netanyahu's Likud Party remained the largest party with 27 seats, while Eisenkot's Yashar Party came in second with 21. However, neither camp has found a clear path to securing the 61 seats needed for a majority and forming a government. Whether Arab parties will cooperate has emerged as a key factor in forming the next government.

Eisenkot: "We Will Work With Anyone Who Accepts Our Principles"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also leads the Likud Party, waves to supporters at the party's election headquarters in Jerusalem after the general election exit poll results were announced on the 28th of last month (local time). Reuters-Yonhap News

Eisenkot said he was open to a broad range of partners for a coalition government. He set out four principles: recognition of Israel's identity as a Jewish and democratic state; respect for the values of its Declaration of Independence; military or civilian national service for all citizens; and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization, along with the dismantling of its military and governing capabilities. "The door to the new government is open to every elected politician who accepts these principles," he said.

Arab parties also signaled that cooperation could be possible. Ahmad Tibi, a lawmaker from the Joint List, which won 11 seats, said he was ready to support the opposition to replace the Netanyahu government. However, he ruled out joining a coalition directly. The decision by another Arab party, Ra'am, which won eight seats, is also expected to affect the formation of the new government.

There is also speculation that members of Netanyahu's current coalition could defect. Local media reported that some members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish party United Torah Judaism (UTJ), which won seven seats, are considering supporting a minority government led by Eisenkot without joining the coalition. However, Eisenkot's push to expand compulsory military service could hinder negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties.

The governing and opposition camps are also maneuvering over efforts to recruit lawmakers. Yashar Party claimed that ministers and lawmakers from Likud had tried to approach its members. However, Almog Cohen, a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Office who was identified as a target of those approaches, denied the claim, calling it "fake news." Eisenkot also met with opposition leader Yair Lapid to discuss ways to cooperate on a change of government.

Netanyahu's camp has also questioned the election results. It alleged foreign interference in the election but offered no evidence to support the claim. There is also speculation that Netanyahu could engage in a military confrontation with Iran to remain in power. Eisenkot said he would support military action before the new government takes office only if a direct and urgent threat to Israel made it impossible to delay a response.

The first major turning point in forming the next government will come on November 4. President Isaac Herzog is expected to receive the official election results that day and meet with the leaders of each party to discuss whom to entrust with forming a government. The leader of the largest party is often given the first opportunity, but the key question will be how many lawmakers from other parties recommend that person.

The candidate entrusted with forming a government will have 28 days, with a possible extension of up to 14 days. If the first candidate fails, another candidate will be given the opportunity. If that attempt also fails, a third candidate recommended by a majority of the Knesset will make a final attempt to form a coalition. If that, too, fails, another general election will be held.

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