Israel faces political deadlock as election results await certification on Wednesday
Both leading political blocs fell short of a parliamentary majority in the October 27 vote, leaving coalition negotiations stalled.
Israel is facing a political deadlock as election results are due to be certified on Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. The right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 53 seats in the October 27 vote, while the Zionist opposition alliance led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot obtained 48 seats.
A majority in the 120-member Knesset requires 61 seats. The remaining 19 seats were won by two Arab-led lists, the Joint List and Ra’am, or the United Arab List. Netanyahu’s Likud party has suggested it may refuse to recognise the results, citing claims of irregularities in the Arab vote that police have investigated and discounted.
Opposition leaders issued a statement on Tuesday saying they were preparing to act immediately to replace the current coalition with a national emergency government. However, the statement did not specify how they would reach a majority, which may depend on allying with Arab-led lists or two ultra-Orthodox parties.
Israeli pollster Mitchell Barak told Al Jazeera that both sides are on track to a government but are nowhere near being able to form one. Barak noted that coordination within the opposition appeared minimal and personal animosities between Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog further complicated negotiations.
Once results are certified, President Isaac Herzog will consult with all parties to determine who is best placed to form a government. If Eisenkot is selected, he will have 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. The new Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.
