Netanyahu leads Israel election but fails to secure majority, setting stage for weeks of coalition talks

Jerusalem, October 30 — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political party emerged victorious in Israel's recent general election, securing 53 out of the 120 seats in the Knesset. However, his coalition of right-wing and far-right parties did not achieve the majority required to govern alone. The opposition, led by centrist Gadi Eisenkot, managed to secure 48 seats.

Notable Arab parties, Raam and the United Arab List, made a significant breakthrough, winning together 19 seats, potentially positioning them as pivotal players in coalition negotiations. These parties were falsely accused by Netanyahu's camp of receiving Qatari funds for vote-buying, a claim both the parties and Qatar vehemently denied.

While Israel's domestic security agency, Shin Bet, is probing suspected irregularities, the electoral commission clarified that the allegations were baseless, adding that the investigation would not influence the final results submitted to President Isaac Herzog. The absence of a majority bloc indicates a likely period of prolonged coalition talks, potentially lasting weeks.

In such a scenario, if no government can be formed, Israel might face another election, a situation that has occurred multiple times before.