The completed vote count put Arab-led parties at a record 19 seats, giving them potential influence over Israel’s coalition negotiations after both major blocs fell short of a Knesset majority.
The Associated Press reported a post-count breakdown of 53 seats for parties aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 48 for the bloc led by opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot. The Knesset has 120 seats, and 61 are needed for a majority.
Eisenkot’s bloc and the Arab-led parties would have 67 seats together if they cooperated. Netanyahu’s bloc would need at least eight seats from outside its ranks to reach a majority. The Associated Press reported that cooperation between the two groups is uncertain. Arab-led party leaders have set separate conditions for backing Netanyahu’s opponents, as EconoTimes previously reported.
Official certification of the count remained pending. Anadolu Agency reported it was expected Nov. 4. President Isaac Herzog is due to consult party representatives Wednesday, Nov. 4, the Associated Press reported. The AP said Herzog plans to weigh the parties’ recommendations before inviting a lawmaker to try to form a government.
