Israeli Election Aftermath: Coalition Talks Intensify Amidst Deep Divisions

Following the recent Knesset elections, political maneuvering is underway to form the next Israeli government, with key figures engaging in discussions and public statements. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an extended discussion on forming the upcoming government, aiming to preserve right-wing rule and prevent a "change bloc" government. Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, stated the leaders discussed how to maintain a right-wing government and prevent a "left-wing government supported by terror supporters."

Meanwhile, Yair Lapid, number two in the 'Together' party, acknowledged the election results were not a clear victory, describing it as a "points win" that requires difficult efforts to form an alternative government. He urged supporters to be patient, indicating that behind the current quiet, significant efforts are being made to establish a government. The Central Elections Committee has completed the vote count for the 26th Knesset, including double envelopes. The results show Netanyahu's bloc with 53 mandates, Eisenkot's bloc with 48, and Arab parties with 19. Likud is the largest party with 27 seats, followed by 'Yesh Atid' with 21 and 'Together' with 12. These results are subject to final checks and will be presented to the President on November 4th.

Neither bloc has enough seats to form a government independently; Netanyahu needs eight more mandates for a 61-seat majority, while Eisenkot requires 13. However, the parties in Eisenkot's bloc combined with Arab parties hold 67 seats. The potential for a government involving or supported by Arab parties is a point of contention within the "change bloc," as some leaders had previously ruled out such cooperation.

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, declared his party will not support a government reliant on Arab parties. In a Facebook post titled "We will not sit with terror supporters!", he criticized MKs Ofer Cassif and Yasser Hujirat, accusing them of supporting Hamas and anti-Israel actions. Lieberman also referenced celebrations in the Joint List's headquarters on election night, noting a dedication to "our people in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem." He concluded, "Whoever wants to lean on terror supporters, so be it. Yisrael Beiteinu will not be there."

Gadi Eisenkot, whose party is the second-largest, has begun coalition talks. He pledged to work hard to fulfill the people's will and form a "new and good government for Israel," without specifying the government's composition. Political discussions include possibilities of a government with the participation or external support of Arab parties, cooperation with Haredi parties, or a unity government. The Haredi parties are monitoring the negotiations, concerned about being left in opposition by a unity government. United Torah Judaism stated it would not engage in political negotiations before the final results are published.

The next step involves consultations between the President and faction representatives, after which the President will task a Knesset member with forming the government. Until then, inter-party negotiations are expected to continue in an effort to reach agreements and prevent another election cycle.