Israel Elections: Benjamin Netanyahu is still in the running to become the next prime minister of Israel as the country’s election results keep his political future uncertain. US President Donald Trump voiced support for Netanyahu, but Israel’s election results have put the incumbent coalition and the opposition in an awkward position. Neither camp has enough votes to form a governing coalition, with a total of 61 seats out of Israel’s 120-seat Knesset. Arab-led parties making history have brought yet another dimension to the process of government formation.
Netanyahu’s political future remains uncertain.
Exit polls: Netanyahu’s bloc gets 53 seats. Opposition gets 48. Exit poll forecast a record 19 seats to Arab parties: Each change will influence the direction of Israel’s next government. Netanyahu’s bloc, which includes his conservative allies and traditional partners, was expected to win 53 seats. The opposition, led by a former chief of staff, Gadi Eisenkot, was projected to be close behind with 48. While Netanyahu’s coalition has become the biggest, it is not big enough to govern on its own. The conclusion hinges on coalition talks, and whether political opponents can strike a deal.
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Donald Trump’s Support Brings Additional Perspectives
Donald Trump has openly supported Netanyahu, citing their common stance on Iran, but the results haven’t provided a clear parliamentary majority for Netanyahu’s allies.That calculus also has implications for US foreign policy in the Middle East, including toward Iran and the future of plans to stabilise Gaza. For now, Trump’s backing continues to be a political concern, but it will be Israel’s next coalition that has the final say on what a new government looks like.
Arab votes could be decisive in forming a government
A major development in the vote is the projected performance of Arab-led parties. Their 19 seats are more than enough to tip the balance in Netanyahu’s favor could play a decisive role in whether his rivals can build a new government. But the opposition is divided over whether to accept Arab support for a coalition. Some opposition politicians want to include Arab parties in the formation, while others are still hesitant about relying on Arab backing.
This could make it more difficult to put together a coalition against Netanyahu, even if there are enough seats across parties to do so.
