Arab parties emerge as potential kingmakers, presenting Zionist opposition with fateful choice
Despite anti-Netanyahu majority, opposition leaders' refusal to rely on Arab parties could force fresh elections or unity government, either of which would keep premier in power
Over four million votes have been counted in Israel's recent election, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party projected to secure 54 seats in the Knesset, according to the Central Elections Committee (CEC). The United Torah Judaism, Shas, Otzma Yehudit, and Religious Zionist parties are expected to bring in 7, 7, 6, and 6 seats respectively for Netanyahu's coalition.
The opposition bloc, consisting of Yashar, B'Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu, and the Democrats, is projected to have 49 seats. Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar is projected to enter the Knesset with 22 seats, while Yair Golan's Democrats are expected to have 8 seats and Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beytenu 7 seats. The Joint List holds 11 seats and Ra am 6 seats.
The current political landscape suggests a minority government without a full majority of 61 seats, but opposition leaders remain divided on the matter.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- 'They're trying to steal the election': Netanyahu attacks Arab parties hindustantimes.com
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