A leading Arab-Israeli party on Wednesday announced that it would recommend opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government following last week's election. "The parliamentary group of the United Arab List has decided to recommend Eisenkot to form the next government," the party, known by its Hebrew acronym Raam, said in a press statement ahead of its meeting with President Isaac Herzog. Herzog is consulting various political forces on the formation of a new government.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israeli opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot on Wednesday pledged to strengthen ties with the United States if chosen as prime minister, saying he would work with President Donald Trump to stabilise the Middle East. "Under my leadership, we will renew and deepen that partnership, strengthen the bipartisan foundations that have long sustained it," Eisenkot said. He also expressed his intention to work with Trump to "advance our shared security interests, strengthen regional stability, and open new doors to prosperity for the peoples of the Middle East".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/generational-remake-of-senate-map-chuck-schumer-hails-democrats-midterm-victory-1793816475380">'Generational remake of Senate map': Chuck Schumer hails democrats' midterm victory</a>&nbsp;The largest Arab-Israeli bloc on Wednesday condemned what it described as ‘political persecution’ after one of its lawmakers was accused of accepting foreign funds ahead of last week's elections, which witnessed a record turnout among the community.&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies have launched an offensive against Arab-Israeli politicians, who could help opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot secure the top position if they join forces. "The targeting of Ayman Odeh is political persecution, and we will not allow the Arab public's vote to be delegitimised," the Joint List, a coalition of three Arab-Israeli parties, said in a statement. "Netanyahu is clinging to power and refusing to acknowledge the will of Arab citizens who voted overwhelmingly against his government," it further added.

Raam recommends Gadi Eisenkot to form Israel's next government as he vows to strengthen US ties and work with Donald Trump on Middle East stability

A leading Arab-Israeli party on Wednesday announced that it would recommend opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government following last week's election. "The parliamentary group of the United Arab List has decided to recommend Eisenkot to form the next government," the party, known by its Hebrew acronym Raam, said in a press statement ahead of its meeting with President Isaac Herzog. Herzog is consulting various political forces on the formation of a new government. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot on Wednesday pledged to strengthen ties with the United States if chosen as prime minister, saying he would work with President Donald Trump to stabilise the Middle East. "Under my leadership, we will renew and deepen that partnership, strengthen the bipartisan foundations that have long sustained it," Eisenkot said. He also expressed his intention to work with Trump to "advance our shared security interests, strengthen regional stability, and open new doors to prosperity for the peoples of the Middle East". Also Read: 'Generational remake of Senate map': Chuck Schumer hails democrats' midterm victory The largest Arab-Israeli bloc on Wednesday condemned what it described as ‘political persecution’ after one of its lawmakers was accused of accepting foreign funds ahead of last week's elections, which witnessed a record turnout among the community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies have launched an offensive against Arab-Israeli politicians, who could help opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot secure the top position if they join forces. "The targeting of Ayman Odeh is political persecution, and we will not allow the Arab public's vote to be delegitimised," the Joint List, a coalition of three Arab-Israeli parties, said in a statement. "Netanyahu is clinging to power and refusing to acknowledge the will of Arab citizens who voted overwhelmingly against his government," it further added.

Raam backs Gadi Eisenkot to form Israel's next government as the Opposition leader pledges stronger US ties under President Donald Trump

Israel's Ra'am party backs Gadi Eisenkot to lead next government after meeting with Herzog

After no breakthrough in the political standoff following the announcement of election results and his bloc being unable to conjure a majority, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he is open to the formation of a “broad national government,” but insisted that he must lead it. Netanyahu called on parties that oppose terrorism to sit with Likud and form a “broad national government”.&nbsp;He also said that he will not abandon the far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties in his outgoing coalition.&nbsp;In his speech to Likud supporters on October 28 after voting, Netanyahu had vowed to establish “a strong, national, right-wing coalition.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/block-segregate-mail-in-ballots-trump-admin-takes-california-ballot-fight-to-supreme-court-1793642385599">‘Block, segregate mail-in ballots’: Trump admin takes California ballot fight to Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;In a move signalling a change, Netanyahu declared in a post on X that the Israeli public “does not want a government that depends on Ra’am or the Joint List — parties that support terror and reject the existence of the Jewish state.”“From the very first day, our hand has been extended to form a broad national government,” he wrote.“A clear majority of the Jewish public chose Likud as the largest party and chose me, as prime minister, to lead the next government,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">הציבור בישראל אינו רוצה ממשלה שתלויה ברע״ם ובמשותפת - מפלגות שתומכות בטרור ושוללות את קיומה של המדינה היהודית.

מן היום הראשון ידינו הייתה מושטת להקמת ממשלה לאומית רחבה.

רוב ברור בציבור היהודי בחר בליכוד כמפלגה הגדולה ובי, כראש ממשלה, כדי להוביל את הממשלה הבאה.

אנחנו שואפים להקים ממשלה רחבה עם שותפינו ועם כל מפלגה שתרצה בכך ושאינה תומכת בטרור. אני פתוח לקיים שיח בנדון.&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2117322854094303435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-abdul-el-sayed-comes-under-fire-for-saying-males-in-girls-sports-is-manufactured-issue-1793633930588">US midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed comes under fire for saying males in girls’ sports is ‘manufactured’ issue</a>&nbsp;Likud received the most seats — 27 — in the Knesset elections last week, but the Netanyahu bloc fell short of the majority mark of 61 by 8 seats.&nbsp;The remaining 67 seats in the 120-seat Knesset are split between 48 seats of Jewish-led parties, and the Arab-led parties, which won 19.“We are aiming to form a broad government with our partners and with all parties that are willing to join, provided they do not support terrorism,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/engage-with-open-heart-to-avoid-fresh-election-israel-s-president-isaac-herzog-tells-parties-1793555229077">‘Engage with open heart to avoid fresh election,’ Israel’s President Isaac Herzog tells parties</a>&nbsp;All four of the Zionist opposition parties, Yashar, B’Yachad, The Democrats, and Yisrael Beytenu, have ruled out sitting in a government led by Netanyahu.&nbsp;“We aim to form a broad government with our partners and with any other party that wishes to join, provided they do not support terrorism. I am open to dialogue on this matter,” said Netanyahu, concluding the post.

Likud received the most seats — 27 — in the Knesset elections last week, but the Benjamin Netanyahu bloc fell short of the majority mark of 61 by 8 seats. The remaining 67 seats in the 120-seat Knesset are split between 48 seats of Jewish-led parties and the Arab-led parties, which won 19.

After no breakthrough in the political standoff following the announcement of election results and his bloc being unable to conjure a majority, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he is open to the formation of a “broad national government,” but insisted that he must lead it. Netanyahu called on parties that oppose terrorism to sit with Likud and form a “broad national government”. He also said that he will not abandon the far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties in his outgoing coalition. In his speech to Likud supporters on October 28 after voting, Netanyahu had vowed to establish “a strong, national, right-wing coalition.” Also Read: ‘Block, segregate mail-in ballots’: Trump admin takes California ballot fight to Supreme Court In a move signalling a change, Netanyahu declared in a post on X that the Israeli public “does not want a government that depends on Ra’am or the Joint List — parties that support terror and reject the existence of the Jewish state.” “From the very first day, our hand has been extended to form a broad national government,” he wrote. “A clear majority of the Jewish public chose Likud as the largest party and chose me, as prime minister, to lead the next government,” he added.

Likud received the most seats — 27 — in the Knesset elections last week, but the Benjamin Netanyahu bloc fell short of the majority mark of 61 by 8 seats. The remaining 67 seats in the 120-seat Knesset are split between 48 seats of Jewish-led parties and the Arab-led parties, which won 19.

Netanyahu pitches for a ‘broad national government’, but under his leadership

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday urged the country’s political parties to begin negotiations on forming a new government with an “open heart,” as he prepares to begin consultations with the factions elected to the 26th Knesset this coming Wednesday on a path forward after an inconclusive election result. “Come to listen and to be heard, to share ideas, and to find creative solutions to prevent another round of elections,” he said.&nbsp;President Herzog urged Israel’s party leaders to “stop climbing trees, and face the reality” of the election results, as rival blocs have started setting out their positions on the formation of the next government.“This coming Wednesday, I will receive the official election results from the Central Elections Committee chairman… Justice Noam Sohlberg,” Herzog said at a state memorial ceremony for Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann.&nbsp;“Afterward, I will begin consultations at the President’s Residence. The President’s Residence will be wide open to all factions and parties.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">הבחירות הסתיימו ותוצאות הבחירות הן עובדה קיימת - זה הזמן למנהיגים כולם לעצור את הטיפוס על העצים ולהתמקם מול המציאות הזו. השבוע בבית הנשיא, ננסה להניח סולמות, כדי לאפשר למנהיגים - להתמקם מול המציאות הזו, בצורה שקולה וזהירה.

דברים שאמרתי היום בטקס האזכרה הממלכתי לנשיא הראשון של מדינת ישראל, ד״ר חיים ויצמן ז״ל:&mdash; יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) <a href="https://x.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/2116848141341245630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahadev-betting-app-promoter-sourabh-chandrakar-extradited-brought-from-oman-to-india-1793544293834">Mahadev betting app promoter Sourabh Chandrakar extradited, brought from Oman to India</a>&nbsp;Herzog said he hoped the leaders would come with an “open mind,” and be ready to “find creative solutions to prevent another election,”“During an election campaign, candidates naturally and predictably climb to lofty positions,” said Herzog, adding, “But the elections are over. The election results are a fact. They are a reality. And now is the time to call on all our leaders to stop climbing and face this reality. This week at the President’s Residence, we will try to put up ladders, to enable the leaders to face reality, in a measured and careful manner.”&nbsp;The final election results put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc in the lead with 53 seats and the Jewish-led anti-Netanyahu parties at 48, leaving neither with enough seats to form a government.The Arab-led Joint List and Ra’am gained a record 19 seats, making them potential key players in government formation.Netanyahu’s opponents together hold 67 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, but Yashar, B’Yachad and Yisrael Beytenu said previously that they would not sit in a coalition with the Arab, non-Zionist factions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-turn-won-t-come-stay-pm-in-your-mock-parliament-amit-shah-takes-dig-at-rahul-gandhi-1793537724423">‘Your turn won’t come, stay PM in your mock parliament,’ Amit Shah takes dig at Rahul Gandhi</a><h2>Oppn leaders to oust Likud’s Knesset Speaker before forming govt: Report</h2>&nbsp;The opposition bloc has agreed on its first move in the new Knesset, replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of the Likud, despite the fact that it has not yet been decided who will form the next government, according to local news reports.Since the speaker controls the parliamentary agenda, the move would give the camp opposed to PM Netanyahu sway over votes, legislation, and committee appointments, even if Netanyahu remains in office as head of a caretaker government.The speaker is elected in an open vote, one of a new Knesset’s first orders of business. To oust Ohana, the opposition bloc will need a majority of the Knesset’s 120 members behind a single candidate, possibly with support from the Arab parties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flop-show-chairs-empty-bjp-mocks-rahul-gandhi-led-india-bloc-rally-against-cec-at-ramlila-maidan-1793547224680">‘Flop show, chairs empty’: BJP mocks Rahul Gandhi-led INDIA bloc rally against CEC at Ramlila Maidan</a><h2>Netanyahu must not be allowed to lead Israel through another Iran war: Golan</h2>&nbsp;Democrats party leader Yair Golan said in a social media post on Sunday that Netanyahu does not have the public’s trust and should not be permitted to lead the country through another war with Iran.“Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and I know the security system very well,” Golan wrote, referring to the other leaders in opposition bloc. “We have experience, ability, and deep familiarity with the system. We are committed to working together for Israel’s security.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Don’t join left-wing coalition,’ Ben-Gvir warns Haredi parties</h2>&nbsp;National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir warned ultra-Orthodox parties against joining a left-wing government, accusing opposition leaders of attempting to entice Haredi politicians with promises to abandon military conscription demands in exchange for their support.&nbsp;“We are all already hearing the sweet talk coming from the left-wing camp, promising to exempt you from military service simply so that you will help them form a government. It is unbelievable how these hypocrites built their entire campaign on hatred toward you, and now, all of a sudden, they are explaining to everyone that you are not actually needed in the army at all,” he wrote.

The final election results put PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc in the lead with 53 seats and the Jewish-led anti-Netanyahu parties at 48. Netanyahu’s opponents together hold 67 seats, but Yashar, B’Yachad and Yisrael Beytenu said they would not sit in a coalition with Arab, non-Zionist factions.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday urged the country’s political parties to begin negotiations on forming a new government with an “open heart,” as he prepares to begin consultations with the factions elected to the 26th Knesset this coming Wednesday on a path forward after an inconclusive election result. “Come to listen and to be heard, to share ideas, and to find creative solutions to prevent another round of elections,” he said. President Herzog urged Israel’s party leaders to “stop climbing trees, and face the reality” of the election results, as rival blocs have started setting out their positions on the formation of the next government. “This coming Wednesday, I will receive the official election results from the Central Elections Committee chairman… Justice Noam Sohlberg,” Herzog said at a state memorial ceremony for Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann. “Afterward, I will begin consultations at the President’s Residence. The President’s Residence will be wide open to all factions and parties.”

The final election results put PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc in the lead with 53 seats and the Jewish-led anti-Netanyahu parties at 48. Netanyahu’s opponents together hold 67 seats, but Yashar, B’Yachad and Yisrael Beytenu said they would not sit in a coalition with Arab, non-Zionist factions.

‘Engage with open heart to avoid fresh election,’ Israel’s President Isaac Herzog tells parties

Israel has voted. Benjamin Netanyahu has survived another election. But the country's political future remains deeply uncertain.The final count from Tuesday's parliamentary election has delivered a fragmented Knesset, with Netanyahu's right-wing bloc securing 53 seats, eight short of the 61 required for a majority.Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc has 48 seats, while Arab-led parties have made historic gains, securing 19.The arithmetic is straightforward. The politics are anything but.Netanyahu's Likud remains the largest individual party, but his existing coalition no longer commands a parliamentary majority.And that raises an uncomfortable question: can Israel's longest-serving prime minister build another government without abandoning some of his political allies or persuading his rivals to join him?The unprecedented showing by Arab-led parties has complicated that calculation.Their parliamentary strength could provide the opposition with a path to power. But cooperation between Jewish opposition parties and Arab-led factions remains politically contentious.Netanyahu has warned against such an arrangement, while his critics accuse him of attempting to delegitimise Arab political participation.Meanwhile, allegations of election interference have further inflamed tensions. Israeli election authorities have stressed that the ongoing investigation does not affect the final vote count.President Isaac Herzog must now oversee consultations aimed at identifying a candidate capable of forming a government.A unity government, an opposition arrangement supported by Arab parties, or prolonged negotiations ending in another election all remain possible.The implications extend beyond Israel. Gaza's future, tensions with Iran, relations with Washington and the broader regional security landscape could all be affected by the direction of Israel's next government.For Netanyahu, remaining in office is not the same as securing another governing mandate. For Eisenkot, opposing Netanyahu is easier than assembling a workable coalition. And for Arab-led parties, historic electoral representation has created an opportunity whose political consequences remain uncertain.Israel's voters have delivered their decision. Now its political leaders must determine whether they can translate that decision into a government. Because winning an election is one thing. Governing a divided country is quite another.

Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc falls short of a majority with 53 seats as Arab-led parties secure 19 in a fragmented Knesset, leaving Israel's next government uncertain.

Israel has voted. Benjamin Netanyahu has survived another election. But the country's political future remains deeply uncertain. The final count from Tuesday's parliamentary election has delivered a fragmented Knesset, with Netanyahu's right-wing bloc securing 53 seats, eight short of the 61 required for a majority. Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc has 48 seats, while Arab-led parties have made historic gains, securing 19. The arithmetic is straightforward. The politics are anything but. Netanyahu's Likud remains the largest individual party, but his existing coalition no longer commands a parliamentary majority. And that raises an uncomfortable question: can Israel's longest-serving prime minister build another government without abandoning some of his political allies or persuading his rivals to join him? The unprecedented showing by Arab-led parties has complicated that calculation. Their parliamentary strength could provide the opposition with a path to power. But cooperation between Jewish opposition parties and Arab-led factions remains politically contentious. Netanyahu has warned against such an arrangement, while his critics accuse him of attempting to delegitimise Arab political participation. Meanwhile, allegations of election interference have further inflamed tensions. Israeli election authorities have stressed that the ongoing investigation does not affect the final vote count. President Isaac Herzog must now oversee consultations aimed at identifying a candidate capable of forming a government. A unity government, an opposition arrangement supported by Arab parties, or prolonged negotiations ending in another election all remain possible. The implications extend beyond Israel. Gaza's future, tensions with Iran, relations with Washington and the broader regional security landscape could all be affected by the direction of Israel's next government. For Netanyahu, remaining in office is not the same as securing another governing mandate. For Eisenkot, opposing Netanyahu is easier than assembling a workable coalition. And for Arab-led parties, historic electoral representation has created an opportunity whose political consequences remain uncertain. Israel's voters have delivered their decision. Now its political leaders must determine whether they can translate that decision into a government. Because winning an election is one thing. Governing a divided country is quite another.

Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc falls short of a majority with 53 seats as Arab-led parties secure 19 in a fragmented Knesset, leaving Israel's next government uncertain.

Israel voted, Netanyahu survived, but who really won? | The Verdict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that he will not form a government with Arab parties, sharing a video of remarks by Arab political leaders and opposition lawmakers as Israel faces difficult coalition negotiations following the election.&nbsp;In a post on X on Friday, Netanyahu shared a compilation of speeches and statements by several Arab politicians, including Ahmad Tibi, Iman Khatib-Yasin, Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, Ofer Cassif, Yousef Jabareen and Ayman Odeh.&nbsp;The leaders are heard expressing support for the Palestinian cause, a position that right-wing Jewish factions view as anti-national.&nbsp;“It is forbidden to form a government with them,” Netanyahu said, reiterating his opposition to an alliance with Arab parties.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">אסור להקים איתם ממשלה https://t.co/LmHmN0SODF&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2116050188519235670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Netanyahu faces difficult coalition negotiations</h3>Netanyahu’s coalition of right-wing and far-right parties secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, with his Likud party winning 27. The opposition bloc, led by centrist Gadi Eisenkot, won 48 seats.&nbsp;The Arab party groupings Raam and the Joint List emerged as potential kingmakers after securing a combined 19 seats. However, neither major bloc has reached the 61 seats required to form a government, raising the possibility of prolonged negotiations or another election if talks fail.&nbsp;The final results came after Netanyahu’s camp amplified allegations that Arab-Israeli groups had received foreign funding to influence the vote. The claims were rejected by the Arab-majority lists and Qatar.&nbsp;The controversy centred on accusations that Qatar had provided money to Raam to finance vote-buying operations. Likud described the allegations as the “Raamgate scandal”, saying: “The Raamgate scandal is a political earthquake. Israel's elections have been stolen!”&nbsp;Raam leader Mansour Abbas denied wrongdoing and welcomed an investigation. The Joint List accused Netanyahu and his allies of running a “campaign of incitement” because of growing political influence among Arab voters.&nbsp;Qatar dismissed the accusations as “ridiculous and dangerous”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-postpones-india-bloc-s-public-impeachment-of-cec-gyanesh-kumar-1793357863174">Rain postpones INDIA bloc’s ‘public impeachment’ of CEC Gyanesh Kumar</a><h3>Lapid declares opposition victory</h3>Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has claimed that the anti-Netanyahu camp won the election, arguing that the prime minister has no viable route to forming a government.&nbsp;In a lengthy post on X on Friday, Lapid acknowledged that his camp had not secured an outright majority but said the results marked a political victory. He also highlighted the voter turnout of 77.7 per cent, which he described as the highest since 1999.&nbsp;“The people showed up,” Lapid said.&nbsp;He argued that Netanyahu’s 53 seats included 13 won by parties that openly describe themselves as non-Zionist, leaving the prime minister with only 40 seats from his own political camp.&nbsp;“No matter what he does, he has nowhere to pull a government from,” Lapid said.&nbsp;Declaring victory for the opposition, he added: “So we won. It's not a knockout victory. It's a points victory. That counts too. A win is a win.”

Netanyahu has ruled out forming a government with Arab parties after Israel’s election, while opposition leader Yair Lapid has declared a political victory for the anti-Netanyahu camp amid difficult coalition negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that he will not form a government with Arab parties, sharing a video of remarks by Arab political leaders and opposition lawmakers as Israel faces difficult coalition negotiations following the election. In a post on X on Friday, Netanyahu shared a compilation of speeches and statements by several Arab politicians, including Ahmad Tibi, Iman Khatib-Yasin, Mansour Abbas, Sami Abu Shehadeh, Ofer Cassif, Yousef Jabareen and Ayman Odeh. The leaders are heard expressing support for the Palestinian cause, a position that right-wing Jewish factions view as anti-national. “It is forbidden to form a government with them,” Netanyahu said, reiterating his opposition to an alliance with Arab parties.

Netanyahu has ruled out forming a government with Arab parties after Israel’s election, while opposition leader Yair Lapid has declared a political victory for the anti-Netanyahu camp amid difficult coalition negotiations.

‘Forbidden to form govt with them’: Netanyahu targets Arab parties after Israel polls as majority eludes both coalitions

Benjamin Netanyahu is inches away from becoming the new prime minister of Israel. Thursday's vote count revealed that he holds a nearly unassailable lead over his opponent Prime Minister Yair Lapid. More than 90 per cent of ballots have been counted, according to the Central Elections Committee, and the numbers favour Netanyahu's right-wing bloc in the country's fifth election in four years.

His Likud party, its ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies and a far-right alliance called Religious Zionism will together form what might be the most right-wing government in Israeli history. The bloc that supports Netanyahu held 65 seats while the remaining votes were being counted. The US State Department is reportedly concerned about the prospect of far-right ministers in a future coalition government.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-in-lead-poised-to-make-a-comeback-in-israel-election-show-exit-polls-530377">Former PM Netanyahu says his camp is on brink of a huge win</a>

Meanwhile, Lapid has not conceded defeat yet and has asked everyone to wait until all votes were counted to reach a conclusion.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's margin of victory is likely to witness a slight change if the left-wing Meretz party manages to secure a minimum of four parliament seats, which it looks set to achieve. Whenever Netanyahu's victory is confirmed, he will be given 42 days by President Isaac Herzog to form a government.

Local media reports suggest that Netanyahu has already started talking to coalition parties about how the government should look like. He will need to hand out Cabinet roles and co-leaders of far-right Religious Zionism, expected to win 14 seats, are likely to end up with prominent roles.&nbsp;

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Itamar Ben-Gvir has shown inclination to become the public security minister, putting him in charge of the police. Ben-Gvir is known for his anti-Arab rhetoric and calls for Israel to annex the entire West Bank. He has been telling security services to use more force to control Palestinian unrest.&nbsp;

"It's time we go back to being masters of our country," Ben-Gvir had said on election night.&nbsp;

Violence across Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank has soared in the past few weeks. On Thursday, an unidentified assailant stabbed an Israeli officer in Jerusalem's Old City before being shot dead, police said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Benjamin Netanyahu is inches away from becoming the new prime minister of Israel. Thursday's vote count revealed that he holds a nearly unassailable lead over his opponent Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

Benjamin Netanyahu is inches away from becoming the new prime minister of Israel. Thursday's vote count revealed that he holds a nearly unassailable lead over his opponent Prime Minister Yair Lapid. More than 90 per cent of ballots have been counted, according to the Central Elections Committee, and the numbers favour Netanyahu's right-wing bloc in the country's fifth election in four years. His Likud party, its ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies and a far-right alliance called Religious Zionism will together form what might be the most right-wing government in Israeli history. The bloc that supports Netanyahu held 65 seats while the remaining votes were being counted. The US State Department is reportedly concerned about the prospect of far-right ministers in a future coalition government. Also Read | Former PM Netanyahu says his camp is on brink of a huge win Meanwhile, Lapid has not conceded defeat yet and has asked everyone to wait until all votes were counted to reach a conclusion. Netanyahu's margin of victory is likely to witness a slight change if the left-wing Meretz party manages to secure a minimum of four parliament seats, which it looks set to achieve. Whenever Netanyahu's victory is confirmed, he will be given 42 days by President Isaac Herzog to form a government. Local media reports suggest that Netanyahu has already started talking to coalition parties about how the government should look like. He will need to hand out Cabinet roles and co-leaders of far-right Religious Zionism, expected to win 14 seats, are likely to end up with prominent roles. × Itamar Ben-Gvir has shown inclination to become the public security minister, putting him in charge of the police. Ben-Gvir is known for his anti-Arab rhetoric and calls for Israel to annex the entire West Bank. He has been telling security services to use more force to control Palestinian unrest. "It's time we go back to being masters of our country," Ben-Gvir had said on election night. Violence across Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank has soared in the past few weeks. On Thursday, an unidentified assailant stabbed an Israeli officer in Jerusalem's Old City before being shot dead, police said. (With inputs from agencies)

With over 90% votes counted, Netanyahu on course to become Israel PM

The Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu presented his new unity government to Parliament ending more than a year of political deadlock. Netanyahu also will be going on a trial in a week on corruption charges.

Unity government in Israel before Netanyahu's trail: Netanyahu-Gantz join hands

Israel has emerged as the country where there is a possibility of the fourth election in just 12 months. PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former army chief Benjamin Gantz have agreed for a unity government for three years. Watch report.

Israel: Netanyahu to fight graft charges as PM, Gantz, Netanyahu to rotate as PM