Arab Israeli Lawmaker Vows Unprecedented Steps to Block Netanyahu Premiership

Arab Israeli lawmaker Ahmed Tibi stated unequivocally that Arab political parties are prepared to take unprecedented actions to prevent Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a transitional government, should the upcoming elections result in a deadlock. Speaking on Kan Reshet Bet radio on Thursday, Tibi responded to a question about the parties' strategy in the event of an indecisive outcome that could lead to Netanyahu continuing as caretaker prime minister.

"We will do things we haven't done before to ensure that Benjamin Netanyahu does not become the caretaker prime minister," Tibi declared. He did not elaborate on the specific measures the parties might employ. The interview comes in the wake of new election polls released by various news outlets following the finalization of party lists.

Most polls indicate a lack of a clear majority for either bloc, suggesting the possibility of further elections. An exception was a Channel 14 poll that showed Netanyahu's bloc with 64 seats compared to 44 for the opposing bloc led by Benny Gantz. The potential for a transitional government headed by Netanyahu, which Tibi and his allies are determined to thwart, remains a significant concern.