In brief
Israel’s July parliamentary election ended without a decisive winner. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot’s coalition captured 67 seats, versus 53 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc, both falling short of the 61 seats needed to govern. With the Arab parties projected to hold 19 seats, no bloc can form a majority even with their support. Analysts predict extended negotiations and a potential minority government, while Netanyahu has threatened the legitimacy of Arab participation in parliament.
Israel’s parliamentary election, held on 27 October, ended with Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc winning 67 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right‑wing coalition secured 53, leaving no side with the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120‑member Knesset.
The Central Elections Committee announced that the unofficial tally covers about 97 percent of ballots, with 48 seats attributed to parties aligned with Eisenkot and an additional 19 seats projected to go to Arab parties. The remaining 53 seats were attributed to Netanyahu’s bloc.
According to Xinhua, the total count will be finalized late Thursday and issued officially on November 4 after the committee reviews the remaining votes.
In a post‑election rally, Netanyahu accused Arab parties of voter fraud without presenting evidence. Arab leaders, including Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List, denounced the attack as a "toxic campaign" designed to delegitimize Arab‑Jewish cooperation. Israeli officials said the integrity of the vote was not systematically compromised.
Al Jazeera reported that Netanyahu’s campaign has discouraged candidates from the Arab sector, whereas Gadi Eisenkot has stated he will not ally with Palestinian‑Israeli parties. Nevertheless, Eisenkot’s coalition holds 48 seats and still faces the dilemma of whether to seek outside Arab support for a minority government.
Political analyst Eytan Gilboa of Reichman University said Netanyahu’s rhetoric may aim to prevent Eisenkot from forming a minority cabinet with external Arab backing. The situation echoes the fragmented electoral system that has produced stalemates since the nation’s foundation.
AP correspondent Gershon Shafir warned that weeks of negotiation could be needed before a governing coalition materializes, citing the historical precedent of a 90‑day period before new elections would be called if no coalition forms.
The Knesset’s 120 members are now expected to cast votes to decide whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot will lead a new government. The president, Isaac Herzog, will consult with party representatives before appointing a prime‑ministerial candidate, following the standard protocol for parliamentary elections.
With 21 percent of the electorate belonging to the Arab minority, the 19 seats they hold could become pivotal. Should either bloc secure Arab support, the balance of power could shift, potentially enabling a coalition that includes new ethnic representation in senior ministries.
European and American diplomats have urged Israel to avoid further polarization, while domestic media emphasize the urgency of forming a stable administration. The outcome of the forthcoming Knesset vote, expected sometime in early November, will determine who steps into the role of prime minister and how Israel’s foreign and domestic policies will be shaped in the days ahead.
