Netanyahu poised to remain caretaker despite losing majority
Far-right political shift and opposition divisions complicate government formation as Palestinian citizens gain unprecedented parliamentary representation
TEL AVIV, Israel (MNTV) — Benjamin Netanyahu appeared likely to remain Israel’s caretaker prime minister after his right-wing bloc fell short of a parliamentary majority, with opposition divisions and resistance to cooperation with Arab-led parties complicating efforts to replace him.
According to Arab News, projections based on nearly 86 percent of votes counted showed Netanyahu’s bloc winning 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared with 48 for the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot.
Parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel were projected to win 19 seats, an unprecedented result that could prove decisive in coalition negotiations.
The outcome exposed the limitations of the opposition’s campaign to unseat Netanyahu. Although his bloc failed to secure a majority, opposition parties remained divided over potential cooperation with Arab political representatives, leaving no straightforward route to an alternative government.
Netanyahu is expected to continue in a caretaker capacity while coalition negotiations proceed, potentially until another election.
Despite the constraints associated with caretaker governments, legal experts cited in the report said the administration retains significant formal powers, including authority over security policy and military decisions.
Addressing supporters after the projections emerged, Netanyahu called for a strong right-wing government and highlighted Israel’s military campaigns.
He also raised the prospect of renewed joint military action against Iran with US President Donald Trump, who had publicly encouraged Israeli voters to support Netanyahu.
The election results point to a continuing rightward shift in Israeli Jewish politics.
Most major Jewish-led parties oppose the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, further narrowing the political space for a negotiated settlement based on Palestinian self-determination.
The political developments come as Israel faces growing international criticism over its devastating war on Gaza.
Gaza health authorities have reported approximately 74,000 Palestinian deaths, while large parts of the territory have been destroyed and its civilian population subjected to repeated displacement and severe humanitarian deprivation.
Netanyahu also remains the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, allegations he rejects. He faces separate corruption charges in Israel, which he has also denied.
The electoral outcome has therefore done little to resolve the central questions surrounding Israel’s leadership, its conduct in regional wars or the future of Palestinians living under occupation and amid the destruction of Gaza.
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