Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's position weakens as ultra-Orthodox party withholds support
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a weakening position in his bid to form a government following the recent election deadlock. With an ultra-Orthodox party withholding support and an Arab-led party backing his rival Gadi Eisenkot, President Isaac Herzog must now decide which candidate has the best chance of forming a stable coalition.
Why it matters
The political instability in Israel impacts regional security and Middle Eastern geopolitical stability, as the country remains under a caretaker government until a coalition is successfully formed.
JERUSALEM Benjamin Netanyahu's position in the post-election battle to stay on as Israel's Prime Minister weakened on Thursday (November 5, 2026) after an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party withheld support for any nominee and an Arab-led party endorsed his main opponent. Israel's President was due to meet Mr. Netanyahu and his chief political rival Gadi Eisenkot to decide which of the two men to pick to form a government, after holding consultations with smaller parties. Israel election commission rejects Benjamin Netanyahu charges of fraud Israel election commission rejects Benjamin Netanyahu charges of fraud The Central Elections Committee said it had conducted an audit of 9,069 polling stations following complaints and was confident that the announced results accurately reflect the will of the voters Israel election commission rejects Benjamin Netanyahu charges of fraud storyline 1 Israel's October 27 election ended in deadlock with neither Mr. Netanyahu nor Mr.
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