Netanyahu to Form Unity Government, Excluding Ben Gvir, Analyst Predicts
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Analysts expressed disappointment with Otzma Yehudit's projected election results, estimating 6-7 seats, while predicting Prime Minister Netanyahu would form a unity government excluding figures like Ben Gvir. Aryeh King predicted higher final results for Otzma Yehudit and the right-wing bloc, while also calling for self-reflection among right-wing parties. Concerns were raised about low Haredi voter turnout, with warnings of future repercussions. King speculated Netanyahu might seek a broad coalition to end his career, potentially sidelining right-wing and Haredi factions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to form a unity government, excluding Ben Gvir, according to analyst Aryeh King.
- Otzma Yehudit projected to win only 6-7 seats, causing disappointment among party members.
- Analyst Aryeh King predicts higher final results for Otzma Yehudit and the right-wing bloc.
- Low voter turnout in Haredi communities raises concerns about future political consequences.
- Aryeh King calls for self-examination and strategic planning within the right-wing camp.
Following the closing of polls in the 2026 elections, analysts expressed disappointment with the projected results for the Otzma Yehudit party, which was estimated to win only 6-7 seats. Nathan Kuhn described a somber atmosphere for the right-wing bloc, noting early Arab voter turnout and a general sense of discouragement. Aryeh King, however, remained optimistic about the final results, doubting the accuracy of the television exit polls. King predicted Otzma Yehudit would gain an additional 1.5 to 2 seats and the right-wing bloc would increase by two to three seats.
King also called for a thorough self-examination within the right-wing parties, suggesting that certain actions by figures associated with parties like Lightner, Noam, and Yoav Winter had harmed the bloc. He distinguished between protest votes and genuine attempts to bring new ideas, arguing that parties like Lightner's and Noam's were primarily protest votes with little chance of success, potentially damaging the broader right-wing cause.
A significant concern raised was the low voter turnout in Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) communities, particularly in cities like Beit Shemesh and Beitar Illit. Kuhn expressed bewilderment at Haredi citizens not voting, warning that they would suffer consequences if parties like Eizenkot's and Bennett's joined the coalition. King echoed this sentiment, lamenting the low turnout he witnessed in Jerusalem's Haredi neighborhoods and predicting that those who followed calls for boycotting the vote would be the first to be harmed.
In a political forecast, King suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would likely opt for a broad unity government rather than a purely right-wing one, given the opportunity. He believes Netanyahu, aiming to conclude his political career, might seek to form a government with figures like Eizenkot and Bennett, potentially excluding Otzma Yehudit, Haredi parties, and Arab parties. King concluded by urging the religious and right-wing camp to strategize for the post-Netanyahu era, ensuring their continued strength independent of Likud.
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