OMM Newsroom
Although the right-wing bloc performed better than expected in the parliamentary election, it failed to secure a majority in the Knesset, and Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to remain caretaker prime minister, AnewZ reported.
After about 86% of the votes had been counted on Wednesday, Israel’s three main television channels projected that Netanyahu’s bloc, made up of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, would win 53 of the 120 seats in parliament. The bloc led by opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot was projected to win 48 seats.
Parties representing Arab Israelis are projected to win a record 19 seats and could play a decisive role in coalition negotiations. However, Eisenkot is unlikely to form a government without their support, while many Jewish political leaders remain reluctant to accept it.
The results are still preliminary, and vote counting is ongoing. Eisenkot’s opposition bloc, which brings together parties ranging from the center-left to the hard right, fell short of projections despite pre-election polls pointing to a close race.
Netanyahu to remain in office during coalition talks
Despite losing its parliamentary majority, Netanyahu will serve as caretaker prime minister until a new coalition government is formed. If forming a government proves impossible, he could remain in office until another election, which may be held next year.
Under Israel’s political system, a caretaker government retains many of the powers of a regular government, but is expected to exercise greater restraint in certain areas. Legal experts say such governments formally have the same powers as elected governments, but face a greater obligation to limit discretionary decisions. Those powers include decisions on national security and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Addressing supporters of his Likud party, Netanyahu called for the formation of a “strong, right-wing national government.” He also highlighted Israel’s military operations and raised the possibility of renewed operations against Iran alongside U.S. President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu described the situation as an “unprecedented historic opportunity to eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all” for Israel and the United States.
Trump, who had openly urged Israeli voters to support Netanyahu, welcomed the election result. He said the Israeli leader had done “very well” and claimed his support had “helped him a lot.”
Eisenkot warns against using security issues for political ends
Eisenkot acknowledged that Netanyahu would remain caretaker prime minister but warned that national security issues could be used for political purposes.
“I call on the heads of the security establishment and the civil service: Netanyahu is a caretaker prime minister without a mandate or the people’s trust. Stand firm against any attempt made against you,” Eisenkot said.
Netanyahu’s office had previously rejected accusations that he was using the conflict with Iran for political gain. The office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The prospect of a caretaker government without a parliamentary majority also affected Israel’s financial markets. The Israeli shekel fell about 1.6% against the U.S. dollar to 3.10, while Tel Aviv’s main TA-35 and TA-125 stock indexes dropped by more than 3%.
The preliminary results have created uncertainty over the formation of Israel’s next government. Coalition negotiations could determine whether Netanyahu remains in office for another period or the country holds a new election.
