Arab parties hold key to Israel's coalition talks

Israeli government formation remains uncertain as Arab parties gain a pivotal role, while Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal political setbacks in his bid to retain power. Netanyahu received only 46 recommendations from his 53-member coalition, with 7 ultra-Orthodox lawmakers abstaining to pressure for military service exemptions. Opposition candidate Eizenkot holds 67 recommendations, making him likely to receive the mandate, though Arab party support remains complicated by their stance on the October 7 Hamas attack. A strike on Iran appears less likely following the US election results. Netanyahu's opponents also note his campaign poster alongside Donald Trump, though parliamentary arithmetic now outweighs public image in determining Israel's next government.