Israeli opposition meets, Netanyahu says voters back him

The Israeli opposition's leading party, Yashar, will convene for their first meeting tomorrow following their endorsement for prime minister by all party heads, while incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a broad coalition government under his leadership. This will be the first meeting of the diverse opposition grouping since the tight election that failed to deliver a majority for either side.

Yashar party's leaders plan to discuss next steps in Herzliya. Yashar won 48 seats, while Netanyahu's Likud party secured 53, including 27 from his party. Arab-majority lists gained a record 19 seats, potentially making them kingmakers. Netanyahu called for a broad national government without the Arab parties, stating he should lead the next coalition as head of the largest party.

He ruled out a coalition with Arab-majority lists, citing public opposition to a government dependent on parties supporting terrorism or denying the Jewish state. While all party leaders in Yashar's bloc support him, Arab lists may endorse Yashar but it remains a key point of contention. Within Yashar's camp, left-leaning Democrats leader Yair Golan favors a partnership with Arab lists, while right-winger Avigdor Lieberman opposes it.

Naftali Bennett's center-right Together party's stance is unclear, and the ultra-Orthodox Shas party's position is also uncertain. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will consult party representatives starting Wednesday, with seven days to choose a candidate, or until November 11. The chosen candidate has 28 days to form a coalition, extendable by 14 days.

Failure to form a government leads to a third candidate request within 14 days, or new elections if not achieved within 14 days.