Arab MPs Deal Netanyahu a Major Blow; Government Formation Difficult Despite His Party Being the Largest

A major political shift is unfolding in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, but his alliance failed to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. Meanwhile, the opposition alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot received support from 19 MPs belonging to Arab parties. An opposition motion was passed in parliament by 63 votes to 50. The President has given Eisenkot an opportunity to form a government. According to sources, demands for political and legal action against Netanyahu may intensify. However, there is no official confirmation that he will be barred from becoming Prime Minister again or that any new action will be taken against him.