Netanyahu warns against Arab-backed coalition as Israel faces political deadlock
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that an opposition-led government supported by Arab parties could threaten Israel's security and national unity, as political negotiations intensify following an inconclusive general election.
Speaking on Wednesday, Netanyahu accused left-wing leaders of attempting to form a minority government dependent on parties he described as Islamist.
“Not only will such a government fail to fight our enemies, but it will also simply tear us apart from within. Our very existence is at stake,” he claimed.
Netanyahu accused the parties of supporting terrorism and undermining Israel's Jewish identity, while calling for a broad national government led by his Likud party and other Zionist parties.
He also alleged foreign interference in the October 27 election, claiming that foreign governments had attempted to influence the results through substantial financial contributions.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Fujimori orders Peru prison overhaul after deadly gang clash kills three inmates
“There are grave suspicions of foreign state interference involving massive sums of money intended to sway the election results,” Netanyahu said.
He backed calls for an investigation by Israel's Shin Bet security agency, insisting that any suspected interference be thoroughly examined.
His remarks followed the certification of election results showing Netanyahu's bloc securing 53 seats, the opposition 48 and Arab-led parties 19 in the 120-member Knesset.
Neither major bloc reached the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority, leaving the formation of Israel's next government uncertain.
President Isaac Herzog has begun consultations with party leaders and must select a candidate to form a government by November 11.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
