Add as preferred on Google
An electoral poster of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, on Oct. 26, 2026, in Tel Aviv, on the eve of the Israeli elections. (Credit: Jack Guez/AFP)
Add as preferred on Google Benjamin Netanyahu knew there was a risk he could lose Monday’s Israeli elections. He therefore wanted to make sure that his rival, Gadi Eisenkot, did not win either. And he succeeded in doing so. Admittedly, Likud and its allies have won 53 seats, 10 less than the last elections, and still well short of the 61 seats needed to form a stable government. But the prospect of the former army chief of staff being appointed head of government is looking increasingly unlikely, as his allies refuse any cooperation with Arab parties, which have become even more unacceptable as political partners following allegations that Qatar interfered on their behalf. Netanyahu, however, is facing the same problem. His bloc needs eight more seats to secure an absolute majority and, in theory, cannot find them among either Palestinian citizens of Israel or... You have reached your article limitStay informed about a Middle East in crisis.Subscribe for $0.5/month for the first 3 months. Subscribe now Log in This article is only available to L’Orient Today subscribers. Subscribe now Log in Create a free account to continue reading this article. You’ll also receive The Morning Brief, our must-read daily digest of Middle East news. Opt out anytime Email Address Password Email Address Password I would like to receive special offers from L'Orient Today as well as selections of the best articles. Register By creating an account, you agree to the terms and conditions of use and our privacy policy. Register Or register with: Facebook
Already have an account? Login here
