Israeli Politicsupdated 1h ago2 min read
Netanyahu’s Likud Drops to 27 Seats as Arab-Led Parties Win 19 in Israel Election
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2 West Asian2 Western Mainstream1 Israeli1 OtherThis article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Netanyahu bloc loses majority; final results show 53 seats vs 48 for opposition. Arab-led parties win 19 seats, Joint List 11 and Ra'am 8.
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Stalemate After Vote
Israel’s final election results left Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud with 27 seats, down from 32, while Netanyahu’s bloc lost its parliamentary majority with only 53 of the 120 seats in the Knesset.
The opposition bloc secured 48 seats, and Arab-led parties won 19 seats, a historic showing that left negotiators searching for a path to reach at least 61 seats.
Gadi Eisenkot’s Yeshar outlined a roadmap for any partnership with Arab parties, including recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal state based on equality and imposing mandatory military or civilian service for all citizens without exception.
Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of the right-wing opposition party Israel Beiteinu, said, “If someone wants to rely on those who support terrorism, that is their decision. We will not be part of it,” and he added, “I gave my word and everything I said before the elections remains valid after them.”
Conditions and Reactions
Gadi Eisenkot said his conditions for any alliance with Arab parties include adhering to the values of the Declaration of Independence and acknowledging the necessity of the complete elimination of Hamas's military capabilities and designating it a terrorist organization. Major General Wael Rabie argued that Eisenkot’s conditions bring nothing new legally, saying that the Nation-State Law of 2018 already enshrines the Jewish character of the state, while the mandatory service requirement effectively excludes religious parties like Shas and Jewish Home from the government.
Major General Mohamed Rashad said meeting Eisenkot’s four conditions is practically nearly impossible, citing religious conservatives’ rejection of mandatory conscription and their refusal to concede their historic exemption. AP reported that Avigdor Lieberman appeared to rule out any partnership with Arab-led parties, and AP also quoted the election committee’s warning that “allegations of systematic violations of electoral integrity are baseless.”
What Comes Next
President Isaac Herzog will task someone with forming the new government after the election results are certified and submitted to him next Wednesday, with Herzog saying he will do everything in his power to avoid a new election early next year.
“The election results still need to be certified and submitted to the president next Wednesday.”
The AP account said Netanyahu and his Likud amplified unsubstantiated allegations that Arab-led parties had “stolen” the election, potentially with foreign assistance, and the opposition accused Netanyahu of demonizing Arab citizens.
The Shin Bet said its investigation was not meant to “cast aspersions” on an entire section of the population that “exercised its right to vote in a democratic and lawful manner,” and the Shin Bet framed its work as part of efforts to calm tensions.
AP also said the new Knesset is expected to be sworn in Nov. 10, and it reported that Eisenkot’s bloc could join forces with Arab parties to elect a new Knesset speaker and advance legislation before a new government is formed.