Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, despite the initial election results indicating no clear majority for any of the political blocs, emphasized his determination to form a right-wing government. In a speech to his supporters, Netanyahu said, "We are still waiting for the real results" and added that the Likud party is the largest party in Israel.
Doubt in Forming a Government
Netanyahu also rejected the possibility of forming a government that would rely on the support of Arab parties, as these parties made significant gains in the recent elections. The latest exit poll results indicate that Netanyahu's bloc and the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot are either tied or separated by a small margin. Neither side is expected to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
Opposition's Reaction to the Results
Gadi Eisenkot, the opposition leader, called for Netanyahu's resignation, stating that voters have sent a clear message of a desire for change. Eisenkot told his supporters in Jerusalem, "We have made history" and added, "The general public has voted negatively for Netanyahu to continue as Prime Minister." He also emphasized that a "worthy leader" should accept the public will and announce his resignation.
Eisenkot also warned Netanyahu to refrain from making key security decisions or starting new wars, stating that he no longer has the mandate to do so. In a statement, he stressed: "Netanyahu, do not use Israel's security for your political needs."
Challenges Facing the Future Government
The progress of the Arab Ra'am party, which is expected to secure 7 seats, indicates that no government in Israel can be formed without cooperation with this party. This party recently made headlines by selecting Yoav Segalovich, a former Jewish police chief, as its number two candidate under the leadership of Mansour Abbas. Issues related to crime and violence in the Arab and Palestinian communities, along with the war in Gaza, may have influenced Ra'am's results.
Poll results from major Israeli television stations show that the majority of the Israeli public has voted negatively for Netanyahu's government, but the Likud party is projected to be the largest group in the Knesset with 25 seats. Eisenkot's challenger bloc is projected to be the largest group with 53 seats, but still falls short of the 61 seats needed to form a majority.
Despite Netanyahu and his coalition currently holding 68 seats, polls indicate that his bloc has secured between 50 and 51 seats. The reactions of Likud and its coalition partners to these results will be very important. It seems that Netanyahu's political future and the new Israeli government are shrouded in uncertainty.
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