Netanyahu Coalition Defeated in Israeli Elections, Opposition Gains Momentum

Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition suffered a significant defeat in the recent Israeli elections, losing 21% of its seats to fall to 50 mandates, according to television exit polls. The ruling Likud party alone lost about a quarter of its strength, shedding approximately 8 seats from its previous 32. This outcome represents a decisive loss, with the public expressing widespread lack of confidence in the government. Analysts suggest Netanyahu will likely remain as a caretaker prime minister until new elections are held.

The opposition bloc, now comprising 70 Knesset members, has signaled a clear rejection of the current government's policies. This includes opposition to perceived governmental overreach in judicial reform, alleged inaction regarding "Jewish terrorism" in the territories, and controversial media laws. Conversely, the opposition supports the establishment of a state inquiry commission, restoring governance, curbing traffic accidents, and fundamentally altering the approach to the justice system and its gatekeepers.

Despite the opposition's increased strength from 56 seats in 2022 to 70, forming a coalition presents challenges in a society marked by suspicion and trauma from the October 7th attacks. The article highlights the difficulty of potential cooperation with representatives of a fifth of the country's population, acknowledging their sometimes extreme rhetoric. However, it argues that leadership requires choosing between alternatives, suggesting a minority government as a first step to detach the current government from power and prevent further national decline.

Former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is urged to announce his intention to form a government with a "clearly Zionist majority" by November 10th, when the 26th Knesset convenes. His partners, Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Golan, are called upon to publicly support him. The piece contends that a "clearly Zionist majority" is achievable, even when excluding the ultra-Orthodox parties, which are described as anti-Zionist, and questioning the Zionist credentials of other coalition partners.

The narrative battle has already begun, focusing on the legitimacy of Arab representation, even if not as coalition partners but as a factor in a confidence vote. The article stresses that leaders of the "change bloc" must resist a "racist incitement campaign" and affirm the legitimacy of Arab Knesset members. It also advises security chiefs and the international community, including former President Donald Trump, that Netanyahu is a "dead horse" and should not be allowed to initiate offensive actions, particularly concerning Iran, while in a caretaker capacity. A new round of elections is deemed unfeasible due to potential voter fatigue.

The article also points to the significant gains of Arab parties, attributing it to a backlash against Itamar Ben-Gvir's policies and actions towards the Arab public. It further questions Avigdor Lieberman's stance, given his past criticisms of Netanyahu and his commitment to avoiding reliance on Arab parties, suggesting his decisions could determine the continuation of the current government. Finally, it draws a parallel to June 2021, when opposition parties united behind Naftali Bennett to oust Netanyahu, urging them to do so again.