Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his parliamentary majority following the October 27 legislative elections, after the country’s electoral authorities certified the final results on Wednesday, November 4.
The results showed that Netanyahu’s Likud-led right-wing and ultra-Orthodox coalition secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling eight seats short of the 61 required to form a government.
The outcome has thrown Israel’s political future into uncertainty, with opposition parties and Arab-led political groups potentially playing decisive roles in determining the next government.
The main opposition bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, secured 48 seats, while Arab-led parties collectively won 19 seats, bringing the combined strength of parties outside Netanyahu’s coalition to 67.
However, the opposition’s numerical advantage does not automatically guarantee a change of government, as disagreements over cooperation with Arab-led parties could complicate efforts to form an alternative coalition.
Following the certification of the results, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult leaders of the newly elected political parties before deciding which lawmaker should receive the mandate to form the next government.
The newly elected Knesset is scheduled to convene on November 10, with Eisenkot emerging as a potential contender for the mandate.
Under Israel’s parliamentary system, the lawmaker designated by the president will have 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. If the attempt fails, the mandate could be transferred to another candidate.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his allies have alleged electoral fraud involving Arab political parties, raising questions about the credibility of the results.
However, the Israeli Central Elections Committee said its review found no irregularities and confirmed that the certified results accurately reflected the votes cast.
Netanyahu is expected to remain caretaker prime minister while consultations and coalition negotiations continue.
The development marks a significant turning point in Israeli politics, as Netanyahu faces uncertainty over his political future following the loss of his coalition’s parliamentary majority.
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