Netanyahu's Options Narrow as Knesset Session Opens, Signaling Potential New Era
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Prime Minister Netanyahu faces significant political challenges as the Knesset convenes, stemming from election results, US policy shifts, and internal coalition pressures. A weakening narrative on election fraud and a unified "change bloc" seeking key parliamentary roles further complicate his position. International pressure, including potential sanctions and demands regarding Gaza, adds to his difficulties. These factors suggest a potential shift in Israeli politics, with Netanyahu's options appearing increasingly limited.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu faces five major setbacks impacting his political future.
- Netanyahu's narrative of election fraud by an "enemy state" has been undermined by legal assessments.
- The "change bloc" has agreed on key Knesset committee leadership and the speaker, consolidating their position.
- International pressure, including potential sanctions and demands regarding Gaza, is increasing.
- Haredi parties are reconsidering their alliance with Netanyahu's Likud party.
- The role of Arab parties in the Knesset is becoming increasingly decisive in coalition formation.
As the Knesset convenes, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from multiple fronts, potentially altering the political landscape.
The Trump administration's changing position is notable. Netanyahu perceived this as a tacit abandonment, prompting him to call for unity in a speech seen by Israeli media as desperate and aimed at inciting the right-wing public against a government potentially reliant on Arab support.
Trump has also reportedly demanded Netanyahu repay his support by facilitating the entry of international forces into Gaza and granting the US control over the Qiryat Gat logistics base. Concurrently, a campaign is expected to expand, involving 55 Western nations imposing sanctions on settlement economies and related financial institutions, linking the fate of Gaza and the West Bank. This could undermine Netanyahu's objective of preventing a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu's response to Trump's demands is seen as obligatory, given his government's caretaker status and weakened coalition, particularly with Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. Meanwhile, Trump appears to recognize that relying on Netanyahu is no longer beneficial for his administration's priorities. The US midterm election results have significantly impacted Netanyahu's government, with Trump and his allies reportedly citing their relationship with Netanyahu and the Iran war as factors in Republican losses.
Furthermore, the legal basis for Netanyahu's election fraud claims has weakened. The Attorney General stated the Shin Bet chief did not provide sufficient evidence for an investigation. Disagreements have emerged within the Shin Bet regarding the chief's actions, with some arguing his loyalty-based appointment by Netanyahu in October 2025 contradicts the agency's principles.
The "change bloc" has agreed on key Knesset positions, including the speaker and chairs of the Foreign Affairs and Security, and Finance committees. The Haredi parties' spiritual leader, Rabbi Landau, is considering ending their half-century alliance with the Likud due to distrust in Netanyahu. However, they also distrust the "change bloc," particularly Liberman's stance on their military conscription. The Haredi parties' leverage stems from Knesset power balances and potential support from Arab parties, with Naftali Bennett's decision being crucial.
This could widen the rift with Netanyahu, who is attempting to divide the United Torah Judaism party. The Arab parties are expected to support the Knesset speaker and finance committee nominees, contingent on restoring budgets to Arab towns. The final composition of the coalition, including the Haredi parties and potential support from Arab parties, remains subject to negotiation.
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