Former Minister Ramon Predicts Netanyahu's Exit Post-Election

Former Minister Chaim Ramon predicts that neither political bloc will secure the 61 Knesset seats required to form a government in the upcoming elections, leading to a potential end of Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure as Prime Minister. Ramon stated on 103FM that based on current polling and the anticipated performance of Arab parties, which he expects to win between 13-15 seats, a Netanyahu-led government will not reach the 61-seat threshold. He further suggested that Arab parties would not permit Netanyahu to continue as caretaker prime minister, even if it meant voting for a minority government, to prevent him from remaining in power.

Ramon outlined two potential scenarios following the election: either the government will be expanded, or new elections will be held with Netanyahu not at the helm. He described this as the most realistic, albeit not optimal, scenario given the current political landscape.

However, Ramon identified two significant caveats to his prediction. First, the fall of the Iranian regime could dramatically shift public opinion in Israel, potentially enabling Netanyahu to reach the 61-seat majority. Second, Avigdor Lieberman's ambition to become prime minister could lead him to form a rotation government with Gadi Eisenkot, potentially altering the political calculus. Ramon noted Lieberman's recent public criticism of Eisenkot's perceived lack of experience during the Yisrael Beiteinu list launch event.