Netanyahu Seeks to Lure Rivals Lieberman, Bennett into Government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contrary to past election cycles, did not immediately contact his coalition partners after exit polls indicated his Likud party was the largest following Tuesday's vote. Instead, Netanyahu publicly appealed to rival party leaders Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett to join a government he would form. This approach, according to the website Walla!, may be intended to maintain his maneuvering room and secure a mandate from President Yitzhak Herzog to form a government, thereby preventing the opposing bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot from taking unilateral actions.

Sources within Likud suggested a partnership with Lieberman and Bennett, described as right-wing figures and former Netanyahu allies, should be pursued. While Lieberman and Bennett are expected to refuse joining Netanyahu's government, public and right-wing pressure could influence them. Emissaries from Netanyahu may attempt to gauge the possibility of forming a government distinct from the outgoing one.

Simultaneously, Netanyahu is anticipated to launch a public campaign against Eisenkot's bloc and its plan to change the Knesset speaker, reportedly with support from Arab parties. Eisenkot's camp, however, is preparing for Netanyahu to employ aggressive tactics against any potential collaborators and is considering how to dissuade Lieberman and Bennett from voting on a new Knesset speaker.

President Herzog stated on Wednesday that "everything must be done to avoid returning to another election." He expects those he consults to approach the process with an open mind and plans to begin coalition consultations after receiving official results next week.