Israel Faces Political Deadlock After Netanyahu Loses Majority
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc failed to secure a majority in the 26th Knesset elections, leaving Israel in a stalemate with Arab parties as potential kingmakers.
Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections resulted in a political deadlock, as neither major bloc secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The final count by the Central Elections Committee confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing and haredi coalition won 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot secured 48. Arab-led parties, including Ra'am and the Joint List, achieved a historic high of 19 seats, positioning them as the decisive factor in government formation.
Netanyahu's Likud party remained the largest single faction with 27 seats. However, the Prime Minister has faced immediate challenges, including allegations from his camp that Arab parties used foreign funds from Qatar to influence the vote. The Shin Bet is investigating these claims, though the Central Elections Committee noted a lack of empirical basis for systematic fraud. Netanyahu has categorically ruled out partnering with Arab parties, calling such a move "treasonous."
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has rejected a national unity government or rotation arrangement with Netanyahu, describing the current leadership as a "coalition of failure." While some opposition figures like Yair Golan advocate for an alliance with Arab parties, others, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, have vowed to avoid such a coalition. President Isaac Herzog has urged all parties to maintain an open mind to avoid another round of elections.
Official results will be submitted to President Herzog on November 4, with the 26th Knesset scheduled to be sworn in on November 10. If no coalition is formed, Israel faces a repeat election in early 2027.
