Israel’s Knesset is set to convene with 120 members, reflecting a divided political landscape. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition, led by former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, holds 48. A significant development is the record 19 seats won by Arab parties, contributing to a high voter turnout of 77.9 percent, the highest since 1999.
The fractured election results have complicated government formation. While the opposition and Arab parties together command a majority of 67 seats, forming a stable government is proving difficult. Some opposition parties have pledged not to rely on Arab-Israeli parties, creating a potential impasse. The inclusion of the ultra-Orthodox parties in Netanyahu’s coalition is also strained, as they are reportedly unhappy about unfulfilled promises regarding military service exemptions.
The possibility of a national unity government has been raised, but appears unlikely without significant political maneuvering. Precedents show that governments relying on Arab support have faced opposition and subsequent electoral challenges. Even if an opposition government is formed, its longevity is questioned due to the diverse interests and campaign pledges of its potential members.
Further complicating matters, Netanyahu’s Likud party has claimed election irregularities, a claim rejected by the police. Meanwhile, the Shin Bet is investigating potential foreign funding. The upcoming Knesset session on November 10, where a new Speaker will be elected, is seen as a critical juncture that could impact Netanyahu’s political future and potentially lead to further political instability.
Also read:RBI Simplifies Export-Import Reporting for Individuals
Source: indianexpress.com
