A key figure in Israel’s opposition has ruled out joining a government coalition that includes Arab parties, diminishing hopes for breaking the country’s political deadlock following the recent election. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party and a prominent member of the secular Zionist bloc headed by former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, sharply criticized attempts to form a cabinet reliant on Arab support. “Anyone who wants to rely on supporters of terrorism is welcome to do so,” Lieberman said, adding that Yisrael Beiteinu would not participate in such an arrangement.
The final results of the Israeli election held on Tuesday were announced early Friday after counting absentee ballots, including those from soldiers, diplomats, and other public servants. The outcome confirmed losses for the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which faced widespread criticism over security lapses following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Despite the setbacks, Netanyahu’s coalition secured 53 seats, maintaining its position as the largest faction in the 120-seat Knesset. Eisenkot’s alliance won 48 seats, while the two main Arab factions, the Joint List and Ra’am, together captured 19 seats, positioning them as kingmakers in a fragmented parliament.
Netanyahu has sought support not only from far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, yet these groups have prioritized opposing his premiership, complicating efforts to establish a stable government. Meanwhile, the political impasse persists as no side appears ready to compromise on coalition partners.
Amid Israel’s internal political tussle, tensions in the region have escalated with Iran issuing stern warnings in light of heightened US and Israeli military threats following the elections. Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, cautioned the United States and Israel against renewed attacks, emphasizing that any threat will be met with an immediate and comprehensive military response. The statement coincided with remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who asserted that much of Iran’s military infrastructure had been neutralized but identified remaining key targets, including a suspected underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no final decision had been made regarding further strikes against Iran and expressed openness to diplomatic efforts. Negotiations aimed at ending hostilities are reportedly ongoing, though Tehran’s officials have so far refused direct talks with US representatives. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored that conditions for engagement remain under discussion through mediation, particularly involving Qatar, which dispatched envoys to Tehran over the weekend.
The conflict has intensified regional instability, with Iran restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. Iranian state media reported incidents involving mines and fires on vessels in the strait, adding to concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies and driving up prices worldwide.
Efforts to defuse tensions continue amid fears of a broader resumption of hostilities, as diplomatic channels remain active in search of a resolution.