Israel's election results left Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition without a mandate, while the opposition secured a firm majority. However, most of the Jewish opposition ruled out governing with Palestinian-led parties, a stance that could allow Netanyahu to turn defeat into another term or a prolonged caretaker role.
Opposition's Self-Imposed Barrier
The self-imposed ban on a broader alliance became the focus of Israeli media, with headlines like "No Clear Government" in Israel Hayom and "Road to Unity Government Has Been Paved" on Channel 12. Yair Golan, leader of the centre-left Democrats, challenged this framing, stating, "Netanyahu lost. I know how to count." He called for a government with Palestinians, who make up about 20% of Israel's population.
Golan added, "We must no longer accept Netanyahu's racist division between Jewish votes and Arab votes. We have a majority. We have a responsibility. And we have an opportunity to form a change government in partnership with Arab citizens of Israel." Musician Yali Sobol wrote on Facebook, "If you stop being racist two amazing things will happen to you. First, you will stop being racist. Second, you will discover you have won."
Coalition Negotiations and Palestinian Role
A survey at polls closing showed a majority of opposition voters supported forming a government with the Palestinian-led Ra'am to unseat Netanyahu, according to political psychology researcher Eran Halperin. Yet opposition leaders remained silent on Wednesday, balancing their desire to oust Netanyahu with promises against working with Palestinians.
Former general Gadi Eisenkot, leading the largest opposition party, has not ruled out governing with Palestinians but set conditions making it politically impossible. Palestinian leaders were clearer: Yousef Jabareen of the Joint List said, "We are ready and prepared to pave the way for the ousting of the Netanyahu government. The change comes through Jewish-Arab partnership." Ra'am placed a Jewish former police chief second on their slate to signal commitment to cooperation.
Netanyahu's Campaign and Aftermath
Netanyahu's campaign used slogans like "The right or Palestine," framing 20% of the population as an enemy. On election night, he dismissed the loss of around 10 seats from his 2022 coalition as a vindication, saying, "The rightwing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public. We must form a strong national-right government."
The Knesset shifted further right, and Palestinian citizens voted in record numbers amid surging crime, discrimination, and home demolitions. If Palestinian representatives are excluded from government due to race, Netanyahu's promise of a Jewish and democratic state becomes a choice between a Jewish or democratic future.
