Netanyahu opens coalition talks as opposition weighs bid to oust Knesset speaker

According to Ynet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has begun talks with his political allies, including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, following an inconclusive parliamentary election. Data from the Central Elections Committee indicates that neither political bloc has secured the 61-seat majority required to form a government. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are consulting on a common strategy, which includes a potential bid to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana during the swearing-in ceremony. This initiative would likely require support from Arab parties, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from religious factions like United Torah Judaism. However, the Shas party has affirmed its continued loyalty to Netanyahu's bloc.

