Israel faces coalition deadlock after inconclusive election

Israel faces a political deadlock after neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition nor the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.

With most ballots counted, Netanyahu’s Likud was set to remain the largest party, winning 27 seats, while his right-wing bloc was projected to take 53. Eisenkot’s allies were on course for about 48 seats. Two Arab parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, were projected to win a record 19 seats, potentially giving them a decisive role in coalition negotiations.

A government led by Eisenkot could reach a majority with support from the Arab parties, but Eisenkot and most other Jewish parties in his bloc ruled out governing with them during the campaign. A unity government joining Likud with Eisenkot’s Yashar party and other opposition factions is another possibility, although Eisenkot campaigned on removing Netanyahu and Netanyahu called after the vote for a right-wing government.

Once final results are published, President Isaac Herzog will consult party representatives and select the candidate he believes is most likely to form a government. The process could extend for about 100 days through several attempts. If all fail, Israel would hold another election, with Netanyahu remaining caretaker prime minister in the interim. Herzog urged parties to approach consultations with an open mind and avoid another vote.

The Irish Times reported that Israeli security experts believe Netanyahu would retain the legal authority as caretaker prime minister to order military action against Iran during coalition talks.