Netanyahu's Post-Election Reality: Unity Government Unlikely, Ramon Predicts

Former minister Chaim Ramon expressed pessimism regarding the formation of a unity government in Israel, a day after the elections concluded. Speaking to 103FM, Ramon stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "cannot form a government, he cannot control the Knesset." He further elaborated that while a national unity government might be a "pipe dream," Netanyahu has no genuine desire to establish one, as he is unwilling to abandon his current coalition partners, including the Haredim, Smotrich, and Ben Gvir. Ramon suggested Netanyahu would welcome others joining as a "superfluous appendage."

Ramon predicted that Netanyahu's primary objective is to lead a transitional government during which a war might occur, leading to further elections. He believes Netanyahu is convinced that Arab voter turnout will not be as high in future elections, and the "enormous effort" of the change bloc will not be repeated, enabling him to secure 61 mandates. Regarding a potential conflict with Iran, Ramon asserted that the decision rests not with Netanyahu but solely with the U.S. President, predicting that if Trump decides on war, Israel and its chief of staff would join the fight alongside the U.S. against Iran.

Ramon concluded by stating that Netanyahu will pay a "terrible political price" even if the change bloc collapses in the next elections, describing the current options as either "certain political death" or an uncertain outcome.