Netanyahu open to Eisenkot alliance as Israel faces political deadlock: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out a coalition with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot despite publicly denying unity plans. The move comes amid a post-election deadlock, with Netanyahu's bloc falling short of a parliamentary majority.

In Short

• Likud sources say the prime minister is examining every available option
• He publicly denied that plans for a unity government were underway
• Advisers fear rival factions could combine to remove him from power

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition government with Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, despite publicly denying plans for a unity government, Israeli media i24 News reported on Monday.

Sources close to Netanyahu's Likud party told Israeli media that the prime minister was keeping his options open and that they were "examining every option".

The sources said Netanyahu was concerned that Eisenkot could join forces with Arab-led parties and ultra-Orthodox factions to form an alternative coalition and remove him from power.

The possibility of an alliance comes amid political uncertainty following Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections, in which Netanyahu's bloc lost its majority in the 120-member Knesset.

NETANYAHU'S BLOC FALLS SHORT OF MAJORITY

Netanyahu's bloc of allied parties secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, down from 68 in the outgoing parliament. The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured the remaining 19 seats.

Together, the opposition and Arab-led parties have enough seats to form a government, although it remains uncertain whether they can reach an agreement on a common coalition.

Netanyahu has suggested that Eisenkot joining hands with Arab parties would amount to treason. The comments have drawn criticism from his political opponents, who accuse him of trying to prevent the formation of an alternative government.

A few dozen protesters also gathered outside Eisenkot's home on Sunday, opposing the possibility of a coalition involving Arab-led parties. Other demonstrations in recent days have called for a Jewish-Arab coalition.

NETANYAHU FACES QUESTIONS OVER ELECTION RESULTS

The coalition discussions have unfolded alongside a dispute over the election results, with Netanyahu's Likud party questioning the conduct of the polls without presenting evidence that the outcome was affected.

Likud has cited several cases involving suspected attempts to bribe voters. Three political activists were arrested before voting began on October 27 after police found them with envelopes of cash.

Four more suspects were arrested two days later over their suspected links to the Islamist Ra'am party, which denied involvement.

A judge on Sunday declined or questioned police requests for further restrictions on the three initial suspects. One was released subject to conditions, another was placed under house arrest for eight days, while the detention of the third was extended by two days.

The allegations of possible foreign interference have also prompted an investigation by Israel's Shin Bet security service at the request of the election committee.

However, election committee chief and Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg said that even if the suspicions were substantiated, they would not undermine the integrity of the electoral process or the overall results.

Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of running an organised campaign to delegitimise the election outcome, including by suggesting that Qatar had supported opposition parties. Qatar has denied funding activities intended to influence the vote.

The election results are expected to be officially certified this week. President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to begin consultations with the elected parties on Wednesday before deciding which candidate should be tasked with forming the next government.

The candidate will then have to negotiate with other parties to secure a parliamentary majority. If the talks fail, Herzog may ask another candidate to attempt government formation, with fresh elections possible if no coalition emerges.

- Ends