Opposition and Arab Parties Unite to Block Netanyahu

Opposition parties and Arab factions are nearing an agreement to advance legislation that would prevent an indicted individual from being tasked with forming a government. This joint effort aims to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from receiving the mandate to form a government if the right-wing bloc does not secure 61 Knesset seats. The proposed law would be fast-tracked for approval immediately after the new Knesset is sworn in, even before a new government is formed.

The legislation was previously considered during the Bennett-Lapid government but was stalled due to the opposition of then-minister Ayelet Shaked. Now, if the opposition and Arab parties achieve a majority of 61 seats, they intend to pass the law swiftly. This time, unlike the previous attempt, the Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List are expected to support the move, with no internal opposition anticipated within the bloc.

The significant implication of this law is that Netanyahu would be unable to receive the mandate from the President unless he first secures a Knesset majority to repeal or amend the law. This would apply even if repeated elections were held, as long as the right-wing bloc lacks 61 seats and the law remains in effect.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the understanding is that Ayelet Shaked will not be in a position to block the legislation this time, and party leaders are committed to passing it as an early priority for the new Knesset.