Netanyahu Risks Losing Power as He Steps Up Attacks on Arab Parties

Israel’s October 27 election has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struggling to secure enough support to form the next government. Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, while the opposition bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, secured 48. In addition, Arab political parties gained a combined 19 seats, marking a record result. However, neither major bloc reached the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Netanyahu’s coalition now needs at least eight additional lawmakers to reach a majority, while the opposition requires 13 more seats. As a result, Arab parties have emerged as influential players in government formation negotiations. Their support could determine which political camp takes power. However, Netanyahu’s Likud party has accused Arab groups of electoral fraud, raising tensions over the election’s integrity. The growing dispute has further complicated coalition negotiations and increased the pressure on Netanyahu as he fights to remain in power.

Arab Parties Hold Key to Coalition Talks as Netanyahu Faces Political Uncertainty

Israel’s election results have created a complicated path to forming the next government. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has ruled out bringing Arab parties directly into his coalition. However, his bloc could seek their support from outside the government to establish a minority administration. This arrangement could help the opposition reach the required parliamentary majority without offering Arab parties ministerial positions. In addition, Eisenkot has rejected joining a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, making cooperation between the two main political camps increasingly unlikely. These positions have narrowed the options for ending Israel’s political deadlock.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, must secure support from additional lawmakers to remain prime minister and form another government. The Arab parties’ combined 19 seats have given them significant influence over the coalition negotiations. However, their support alone may not guarantee a stable administration, as either political camp must build a broader parliamentary alliance. Both sides now face the challenge of finding partners who can provide sufficient backing in the Knesset. Until political leaders reach an agreement and a new government takes office, Netanyahu will continue as Israel’s caretaker prime minister, leaving the country’s political future uncertain.

Netanyahu’s Fraud Allegations Prompt Shin Bet Probe as Arab Leaders Push Back

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has accused Arab political groups of using illegal methods to increase their electoral support. The allegations include vote-buying, voter intimidation and other forms of election fraud. Likud claims it has collected hundreds of testimonies and other evidence of suspected wrongdoing. However, the party has not released the material publicly. It has also called on the Israeli police, the Shin Bet and the Central Elections Committee to investigate the claims. Separately, Noam Sohlberg, chairman of the Central Elections Committee and a Supreme Court justice, has asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to examine suspicions of foreign interference in the election. The inquiry focuses on allegations that foreign actors provided funding to influence the vote.

Arab political leaders have strongly rejected the accusations and called for evidence-based investigations. President Isaac Herzog has also called for an investigation, while warning against blaming an entire community for alleged misconduct. However, acting election committee director Dean Livne has dismissed claims of widespread voter fraud as baseless. Although authorities are examining specific suspicions, they have not established systematic electoral fraud. As Israel prepares for the next stage of coalition negotiations, the fraud allegations and the role of Arab parties are likely to remain central to the country’s political debate.

Web Resources On Netanyahu Attacks Arab Parties Amid Election Deadlock

1. Reuters : Netanyahu, at risk of losing power, steps up attacks on Israel’s Arab parties.
2. New York Post : Netanyahu alleges fraud as Arab parties reach record gains in Israeli election.
3. BBC: Israeli opposition accuses Netanyahu of trying to ‘delegitimise’ election.