Netanyahu Open to Broad Government, Rules Out Arab Parties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is willing to discuss forming a broad national government following the October 2026 Knesset Elections, but ruled out an administration that depends on Arab-led parties. His remarks come as opposition leaders explore alternatives to his leadership amid uncertainty over who can secure a governing majority.

Netanyahu Says Likud Has Mandate to Lead Next Government

In a post on X on Monday, Netanyahu said the Israeli public did not want a government dependent on Ra’am and the Joint List. He accused the two parties of supporting terrorism and rejecting the existence of the Jewish state.

“The public in Israel does not want a government that depends on Ra’am and the Joint List parties that support terrorism and reject the existence of the Jewish state,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu said his Likud party had emerged as the largest party in the election and claimed he had received a mandate from the Jewish public to lead the next government.

“From the very first day, our hand has been extended to form a broad national government. A clear majority in the Jewish public chose the Likud as the largest party and me, as prime minister, to lead the next government,” he added.

He said he wanted to form a broad government with his existing political partners and was open to discussions with other parties willing to join without supporting terrorism.

“We aspire to form a broad government with our partners and with any party that wishes to do so and does not support terrorism. I am open to holding discussions on the matter,” he said.

Liberman Rejects Unity Government With Netanyahu

Opposition parties are continuing efforts to form an alternative government. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman has ruled out joining a coalition led by Netanyahu.

According to The Times of Israel, Liberman said his party would recommend Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog to form the next government. He also said his party would support Opposition Leader Yair Lapid for the position of Knesset Speaker.

Liberman criticised Eisenkot’s election campaign and said the opposition bloc had secured fewer seats than expected.

“We failed – 48 mandates is far lower than what we expected,” Liberman said, according to the publication.

He accused Eisenkot of running an “egotistical” campaign and prioritising his party’s position over the wider opposition alliance. Liberman also ruled out serving in a unity government under Netanyahu.

Bennett’s Faction Backs Eisenkot’s Bid

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad faction has backed Eisenkot’s effort to form the next government, adding to the opposition’s attempts to challenge Netanyahu’s leadership.

However, the opposition faces difficulties in securing a governing majority without relying on Arab-led parties.

Election Results Leave Israel Facing Coalition Deadlock

The election has produced a divided 120-member Knesset. According to the reported seat distribution, the opposition bloc secured 67 seats, compared with 53 seats for the incumbent coalition.

Although the opposition has a numerical majority, disagreements over leadership and the role of Arab-led parties could complicate efforts to form an alternative administration. Netanyahu, meanwhile, is seeking to bring additional parties into a broad government while ruling out dependence on Ra’am and the Joint List.

Herzog Urges Political Leaders to Find a Solution

President Isaac Herzog has urged political leaders to show flexibility and find a way to form a government, seeking to avoid another election.

Herzog is scheduled to receive the official election results on November 4 before beginning consultations with representatives of the political factions. The newly elected Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.

The consultations will be an important step in determining which political leader can assemble the support needed to form Israel’s next government.