Netanyahu Leads Right-Wing Bloc in Deadlocked Israeli Election
Benjamin Netanyahu leads the right-wing bloc after the October 27 election, but neither he nor rival Gadi Eisenkot has secured a Knesset majority.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the right-wing bloc following the October 27 election, though neither he nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. With 97 percent of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, while Eisenkot's camp holds 48.
Netanyahu has proposed a national unity government involving a rotation arrangement or a senior ministerial portfolio to attract Eisenkot. Eisenkot has rejected serving under Netanyahu, calling the current government a "coalition of failure." Meanwhile, Arab-led parties have emerged as potential kingmakers with 19 seats. While some Arab leaders expressed willingness to support Eisenkot, Netanyahu's Likud party and other opposition figures have ruled out such a coalition.
Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman has further complicated negotiations by refusing to join any government that includes Netanyahu, Arab parties, or haredi parties. Liberman stated he would only consider a coalition of Zionist parties, including Likud, provided Netanyahu is excluded. He has demanded the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry and a universal military draft law.
President Isaac Herzog has urged leaders to negotiate to avoid another election. The political instability has impacted financial markets, causing the shekel to depreciate 2 percent against the dollar.
