No bloc has a Knesset majority as coalition talks begin

Politics · First reported 2 Nov, 18:33 · Updated 19:58

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

After an election left no camp with a majority, Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition bloc plans to coordinate its next steps while Benjamin Netanyahu calls for a coalition under his leadership. Arab-majority lists’ 19 seats could be pivotal, but their possible support for Eisenkot is contentious within his bloc.

Netanyahu’s camp won 53 seats, while Eisenkot’s bloc won 48; Arab-majority lists won 19 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
Eisenkot’s opposition partners are due to meet in Herzliya to discuss coordinating their next steps.
Netanyahu says he should lead a broad coalition, but rules out relying on Arab-majority parties; the opposition is divided over possible cooperation with them.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Knesset size: 120 seats
Netanyahu’s camp: 53 seats, including 27 for Likud
Eisenkot’s bloc: 48 seats
Arab-majority lists: 19 seats
Herzog’s selection period: Seven days to choose a candidate after consultations begin; the candidate gets 28 days, extendable by 14, to form a coalition.