Israel coalition talks: Trump suggests he could interfere as Arab parties gain leverage

Trump leaves door open

Trump has not ruled out entering Israel’s efforts to form a government. Asked about the negotiations, he said he would “take a look.” He has previously supported Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party. Netanyahu earlier alleged that Arab parties had “stolen” Tuesday’s election, after his right-wing bloc failed to secure a governing majority; the report described those claims as unsubstantiated.

Neither bloc reaches majority

With about 85 per cent of votes counted by Wednesday afternoon, neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the broad alliance behind opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot had reached a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. A government requires 61 seats.

The parties have ruled out working with some rivals on ideological or personal grounds. Analysts said at least one faction may need to reverse its campaign position to form a government; without an agreement, Israeli law requires another election.

Arab parties gain leverage

Arab-led parties were projected to win 19 seats, compared with 10 in the outgoing parliament. Their result could make them pivotal in efforts to secure a majority, including for Eisenkot’s opposition alliance.

Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh said Palestinian citizens of Israel were being treated as illegitimate political partners. He told Al Jazeera, “This is racism,” and said Arab voters had chosen their representatives.

Former Israeli ambassador Daniel Shek called the revival of the Arab vote a major feature of the election. Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen said Netanyahu knew his bloc could not form a majority without Arab parties.