Israel Faces Political Deadlock After October 27 Elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rival Gadi Eisenkot both failed to secure a parliamentary majority, leaving Arab-led parties as kingmakers in a deadlocked Knesset.
Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections resulted in a political stalemate, as neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Final results from the Central Elections Committee confirm Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc won 53 seats, with his Likud party remaining the largest single faction at 27 seats. Eisenkot's opposition bloc secured 48 seats, while Arab-led parties achieved a historic high of 19 seats, positioning them as the decisive kingmakers.
Netanyahu has categorically refused to partner with Arab parties, calling such a move "treasonous" and "forbidden." He and the Likud party further alleged that the election was "stolen" through bribery and foreign interference, specifically accusing Qatar of funding Arab voters. The Government of Qatar denied these claims, calling them "ridiculous and dangerous." In response, the Shin Bet was tasked with investigating these allegations, though the Central Elections Committee noted a lack of empirical basis for systematic fraud.
Eisenkot has rejected Netanyahu's proposals for a national unity government or a rotation arrangement, stating he will not serve under the current prime minister. While some opposition figures like Yair Golan advocate for an alliance with Arab parties, others, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, have ruled out such a coalition. President Isaac Herzog has urged all parties to maintain an open mind to avoid another round of elections. Official consultations to appoint a candidate to form a government will begin on November 4.
