Netanyahu faces coalition showdown as rivals maneuver to form Israel’s next government

Benjamin Netanyahu’s hold on power is uncertain after Israel’s election left both his bloc and the opposition short of a majority. President Isaac Herzog is consulting party leaders before choosing a lawmaker to try to form a government, a decision that could give opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the opportunity if Arab parties endorse him.

Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while the opposition alliance led by Eisenkot secured 48; 61 seats are needed for a majority. Ra’am and the Joint List won 19 seats combined and could influence the process, but opposition parties disagree over relying on the Joint List. The designated lawmaker has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.