More than a week has passed since the results of parliamentary elections in Israel were announced, but a new government has yet to be formed. Benjamin Netanyahu may not have won a bumper election, but no one else could beat him. At the same time, Gadi Eisenkot, who is challenging him, also lacks the necessary numbers to form a government. In such a situation, Israel’s position is constantly changing.
Elections were held in Israel on October 27 and the results were announced on November 4. Netanyahu’s coalition won 53 seats, while Gadi Usenkot’s coalition won 48 seats. Arab parties want to play the role of kingmaker by winning 19 seats and are supporting Eisencott. But even after receiving this support, Eisenkot is insecure because this connection does not match.
Jewish parties are opposing Arab parties
However, Eisenkot currently holds the lead in this race. President Isaac Herzog ordered him to form a government on November 8. Eisencott has until December 6 to prepare the annexation. The new parliament, or Knesset, was also sworn in on November 10, but the path to government formation is still unclear. The reason behind this is to oppose the support of Jewish parties to Arab parties.
Arab parties are in favor of an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza and demand the creation of a Palestinian state. This is why the Jewish religious parties have been staunch opponents of the Arab parties.
Netanyahu is trying to form a government again
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has stepped up his efforts to form a government again as news of opposition to support from Arab parties emerges. Netanyahu is trying to win over those Jewish parties in the opposition coalition. Netanyahu is demanding a coalition government from Jewish parties. The Likud party is considered the largest party. They are claiming their right to lead the government.
Eisenkot still has a tough challenge ahead
Similar efforts are being made from the other side as well. Yasher Party leader Gadi Eisenkot has won the first battle to become Israel’s next prime minister, but the real and difficult challenge is yet to come.
- Eisenkot needs the support of 13 MPs
- Bringing Arab parties together can be dangerous
- Eisenkot is stirring up opposition forces as well.
Lieberman is also keeping an eye on whether there will be re-election.
Now center-right leader Avigdor Lieberman looks set to be a gamechanger. Lieberman is eyeing parties in Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. Haredim parties in Israel have long been traditional allies of Netanyahu, but their ties have recently soured somewhat over the issue of military conscription exemptions. Lieberman wants to use this opportunity to draw him into the opposing camp.
Netanyahu will remain acting prime minister until a new prime minister is sworn in. If Usenkot and Netanyahu both fail to form a government, the country will hold another election and Netanyahu will remain in office until then.
