Netanyahu's opponents have the numbers – now can they make a deal?

Opposition politicians in Israel are scrambling to form a government after inconclusive elections last Tuesday failed to produce a clear winner. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition and the opposition led by former general Gadi Eisenkot both fell short of a majority, leaving the Knesset's 120 seats up for grabs.

The opposition bloc, bolstered by Arab parties who secured 19 seats, could potentially reach a majority if they join forces. However, forming a coalition with Arab politicians would be a highly contentious move, especially given the ongoing Middle East conflict. The head of Israel's Central Elections Committee, Noam Sohlberg, affirmed that the election results reflect the will of the voters and that any post-election investigations would not impact the overall outcome.

While Netanyahu remains in office temporarily, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee cautioned that any military action against Iran post-elections could be politically beneficial for Netanyahu, potentially leading to a unity government. Opposition figures have urged Netanyahu to refrain from engaging in military actions during his caretaker role, emphasizing that Israel's security should not be exploited for political gain.