Israel’s recent general election concluded with a fragmented outcome that has set the stage for complex coalition negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing and far-right bloc secured 53 out of the 120 Knesset seats, with his Likud party remaining the largest faction at 27 seats. The main opposition coalition, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, garnered 48 seats. A significant development was the strong performance of Israeli Arab parties, primarily the Raam party and the Joint List, which together claimed 19 seats, positioning them as potential kingmakers in the formation of the next government.
Neither major bloc achieved the majority threshold of 61 seats needed to form a government, indicating likely protracted talks that could last several weeks or potentially lead to another election. President Isaac Herzog is expected to decide whom to task with forming the government once the official election results are confirmed.
The electoral process was marked by heightened tensions and allegations centered on the Arab parties. Netanyahu’s camp amplified claims—without publicly presenting evidence—that the Raam party received funding from Qatar, a Gulf state that maintains links with Hamas, in an effort to influence the election through vote-buying. These accusations sparked controversy, with Netanyahu’s Likud declaring the election “stolen,” while Arab party representatives and Qatar denied the allegations.
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) has initiated an investigation into possible irregularities, focusing on the funding claims. However, Shin Bet emphasized that the probe does not intend to accuse the entire Arab-Israeli voting sector, which participated in the election lawfully. The Central Election Commission also sought to alleviate public concern, describing claims of widespread voter fraud as unfounded.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right figure known for his hardline stance, called for the immediate arrests of Arab party leaders following the allegations. His rhetoric reflected wider societal tensions, including debates over the status and treatment of Israel’s Arab minority, many of whom are descendants of Palestinians who remained in Israel after 1948. Some observers contend that the allegations serve to delegitimize Arab lawmakers and pressure opposition figures, such as Eisenkot, who has avoided including Arab parties in his coalition efforts amid Netanyahu’s warnings to his Jewish base.
Eisenkot has committed to vigilance regarding election integrity but cautioned against politicizing ongoing investigations to delay the government formation process. Several figures within and outside of the opposition urged a prompt and transparent inquiry into the claims. Meanwhile, Israel faces broader security challenges, including the looming possibility of conflict with Iran. Netanyahu has threatened military action against Iran, with support from U.S. leadership, complicating internal politics as security concerns could influence coalition decisions or prompt calls for a unity government, an option Eisenkot has publicly dismissed.
As Israel moves forward, the interplay between political fragmentation, contested Arab-Israeli relations, and security considerations underscores the uncertainties ahead in forming a stable government.