Jerusalem:Israel’s recent election has resulted in a stalemate, leaving both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot without a clear path to a majority in the Knesset. The election outcome has placed two Arab-led parties, the Joint List and Ra'am, in a pivotal position, with their combined 19 seats potentially influencing the formation of the next government.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats, while Eisenkot's bloc obtained 48 in the 120-member Knesset. The involvement of Arab parties has become a contentious issue, with Netanyahu's Likud party accusing them of election interference, a claim that lacks substantiated evidence. As coalition negotiations commence, President Isaac Herzog has called for open-mindedness among political leaders to avert another election.

One possible outcome could be Eisenkot forming a coalition with Arab-led parties, though this would require significant political compromises, as several opposition parties have vowed not to collaborate with Arab parties. Alternatively, Netanyahu might attempt to persuade opposition lawmakers to join his bloc, or a unity government could emerge, albeit with leadership disputes.

Eisenkot might also explore the formation of a minority government with external support or abstentions from Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties. However, if coalition negotiations fail, Israel could face another election, with Herzog expected to initiate the process of selecting a candidate to form a government. In the absence of a successful coalition, Israelis may return to the polls, marking the sixth election since 2019.