Netanyahu’s opponents have the numbers – now can they make a deal?
According to The National, coalition talks in Israel are intensifying as opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempt to secure a parliamentary majority to end his tenure. Neither Netanyahu's right-wing coalition nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won a majority in last Tuesday's election. However, the Eisenkot bloc could reach 67 seats in the 120-member Knesset by partnering with Arab parties, who won a record 19 seats. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has urged party leaders to find creative solutions to avoid a stalemate and a second election. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has sown doubts about the results by alleging election fraud, claims which Israeli election authorities have dismissed, stating the process was conducted properly. Ahmad Tibi, a leader of the Arab parties, stated they are willing to help bring down the current government, though they do not seek ministerial posts. Concerns persist that Netanyahu might initiate military action against Iran to ensure his political survival, a move Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, has criticized as lacking moral legitimacy.