Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, Itamar Ben Gvir, to discuss ways to maintain a right-wing government and prevent the opposition from forming a government. According to a report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the meeting between the two leaders took place on Thursday and focused on preventing a left-wing government from being formed with the support of Arab parties.
The meeting comes after the Israeli elections, which saw Netanyahu's bloc win 53 seats, while the Change bloc, which includes the opposition, won 48 seats, and Arab parties won 19 seats. The final results are set to be announced on Wednesday after a thorough audit. Netanyahu and Ben Gvir are concerned that the opposition could form a government with the support of Arab parties, despite the opposition and Arab parties combined having 67 seats.
However, Arab parties are not considered part of the Change bloc, making it difficult for the opposition to form a government without reaching a political agreement with them. The opposition would need to secure at least 61 seats to form a government. The elections have resulted in a hung parliament, with neither side able to secure a majority.
Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democrats, has called on the leaders of the Change bloc to reconsider their stance on cooperation with Arab parties in order to form a new government. Golan met with Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, on Thursday to discuss accelerating the formation of an alternative government.
Golan has expressed support for the participation of the United Arab List in a future government, while Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Israel Beytenu party, has opposed the formation of a coalition government with Arab parties. The United Arab List has 19 seats, which could be crucial in forming a government.
The implications of the election results are significant, with the country facing a period of uncertainty as politicians negotiate the formation of a new government. The meeting between Netanyahu and Ben Gvir highlights the efforts of right-wing parties to maintain power and prevent a shift in the country's political landscape.
The outcome of the government formation talks will have a significant impact on the country's future, with various scenarios being considered, including a possible coalition government or a national unity government. The country remains in a state of flux as politicians continue to negotiate.
Key points
- Netanyahu and Ben Gvir are discussing ways to prevent the opposition from forming a government with the support of Arab parties.
- The opposition and Arab parties combined have 67 seats, but Arab parties are not considered part of the Change bloc.
- Yair Golan has expressed support for the participation of the United Arab List in a future government.
