Israel Faces Coalition Deadlock After Inconclusive Election

Israel’s election produced no clear governing majority, leaving caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Gadi Eisenkot facing difficult coalition negotiations.

With most ballots counted, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition was projected to hold about 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, short of the 61 needed for a majority. Eisenkot’s allied Jewish opposition parties were projected to win about 48 seats, while two Arab parties could take as many as 19. Likud was on course to remain the largest single party, with Eisenkot’s Yashar second.

An Eisenkot-led government would likely require support from the Arab parties. That would force Eisenkot and several allies to reverse campaign pledges against governing with them. Netanyahu could instead seek a unity coalition with Yashar and other centrist or right-wing opposition parties, but Eisenkot campaigned on removing Netanyahu and called on him to retire after the vote.

After final results are published, President Isaac Herzog will consult party representatives and ask the candidate he believes is most likely to assemble a government to try. Other candidates and then the Knesset may get opportunities if the first attempt fails. The process can take roughly 100 days; another election would follow if no coalition emerges. Herzog urged parties to approach consultations with an open mind and avoid a repeat vote.

Netanyahu is expected to remain caretaker prime minister during the negotiations. Israeli security experts told The Irish Times that he would retain authority to order military action, including possible renewed strikes against Iran, while coalition talks continue.