Netanyahu Rivals Weigh Arab-Backed Coalition to Deny Him 61 Seats
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 28
Netanyahu Rivals Weigh Arab-Backed Coalition to Deny Him 61 Seats
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 28
Summary
Israel faced potentially weeks of political uncertainty after an election left no clear winner and opened the possibility of Netanyahu opponents relying on Arab parties to form a parliamentary majority.
Arab-led parties posted a historic showing, giving Netanyahu’s rivals a possible path to the 61 seats needed to unseat him, though it remains unclear whether Jewish opposition parties will join such a coalition.
Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned against a “dangerous government” that might include Arab parties, whose constituents account for 20% of Israel’s population.
The coalition math has revived a broader debate over Israel’s identity as a Jewish state, with Palestinian issues still highly sensitive as final results could arrive as early as Thursday evening.