Israel faces coalition talks after inconclusive October elections
Following the October 27 legislative elections that left no party with a clear majority, outgoing Prime Minister Benyamin Nétanyahou renewed his call for a national unity government. Nétanyahou argued in a video statement that forming a broad coalition with his rival Gadi Eisenkot is the only path to secure the country against Iran.
The proposed unity administration would include major Zionist parties ranging from the right to the center while excluding Arab Israeli factions. Nétanyahou claimed that Arab lawmakers are “partisans of the terror” and incapable of addressing regional security challenges, franceinfo reported.
Eisenkot, backed by 67 deputies, holds 28 days to build a government following the inconclusive vote, with a possible 14-day extension.
Eisenkot rejects unity talks as political maneuvers
“Nétanyahou appelle à des négociations alors qu’elles sont déjà programmées, affirme vouloir l’unité mais (…) divise et attise les tensions comme si demain n’existait pas,” Eisenkot said. He added that Nétanyahou remains “conscient de sa défaite aux élections” and declared, “Bien essayé, mais ces ruses ne prennent pas avec moi.”
Eisenkot previously stated he will not serve under Nétanyahou. On Friday, he condemned what he termed an aggressive campaign directed by the outgoing prime minister against the Arab Israeli minority, which accounts for roughly 20 percent of the population.
Coalition discussions face steep hurdles over the inclusion of Arab parties, which hold 19 seats in the Knesset. Youssef Jabareen, leading the Unified List, said that voter turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel reached 80 percent, shifting the parliamentary math and denying Nétanyahou his previous majority, L’Humanité reported.
Netanyahu demands unity to confront Iran's nuclear ambitions
Nétanyahou insisted that any future government must unite parties recognizing Israel as the state of the Jewish people to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Discussions previously touched on a potential rotation at the prime ministerial post, a mechanism utilized in past Israeli political arrangements.
Eisenkot indicated he remains open to welcoming members of Likud and Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party under the condition that their commitment to unity is genuine and that he leads the government. However, ideological and personal divides continue to complicate potential agreements between the rival blocs.
Common questions regarding the Israeli government formation
Who holds the mandate to form the next Israeli government?
Gadi Eisenkot was tasked with forming a government after receiving support from 67 deputies following the October 27 legislative elections, according to franceinfo.
How long does Eisenkot have to build a coalition?
Eisenkot has an initial 28 days to form a government, which can be extended by an additional 14 days under Israeli law, Le Temps reported.
What role do Arab Israeli parties play in the current parliament?
Arab Israeli factions hold 19 seats in the Knesset following a high turnout of approximately 80 percent among Palestinian citizens of Israel, positioning them as a decisive factor in blocking a traditional right-wing majority, L’Humanité reported.
Eisenkot has until late December to complete coalition negotiations and secure a vote of confidence in the Knesset.
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