Netanyahu Rules Out Government Backed by Arab Parties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday his intention to form a broad national unity government, while explicitly ruling out any coalition that relies on the support of Arab-led parties. His statements follow a parliamentary election that left the Knesset in political gridlock.

In a post on X, Mr. Netanyahu stated that the Israeli public opposes a government dependent on the Ra’am or Joint List parties, accusing them of supporting terrorism and rejecting Israel’s status as a Jewish state. Maintaining that his Likud party secured the most seats, he asserted that voters delivered him a mandate to lead the next administration.

Mr. Netanyahu emphasized that his bloc has advocated for a broad coalition since election day, adding that he remains open to talks with any party that rejects terrorism. Meanwhile, opposition factions are actively attempting to assemble an alternative governing coalition.

Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman rejected joining a Netanyahu-led government. According to the Times of Israel, his party plans to recommend opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog for the premiership and back Yair Lapid for Knesset Speaker.

Expressing disappointment over the opposition bloc’s 48 seats below expectations Lieberman criticized Eisenkot for prioritizing narrow party interests. Separately, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Beyachad party endorsed Mr. Eisenkot’s initiative to form a government.
Forming a majority in the 120-seat Knesset requires 61 seats. Final results show Netanyahu’s bloc with 53 seats, Eisenkot’s opposition bloc with 48, and Arab-led parties holding 19. With neither major faction reaching a majority independently, the Arab parties hold a crucial position, as their backing could elevate the opposition alliance to 67 seats.

To prevent a repeat election, President Mr. Herzog urged political leaders to reach a compromise. Following the formal certification of election results on November 4, Herzog will launch consultations with party representatives. Newly elected Knesset members are scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.

Sources: ANI, Times of Israel