Netanyahu casts doubt on Arab vote to block Israeli government change

Israeli President Isaac Herzog began consultations Wednesday to form a government after official results from the October 27 legislative elections, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casting suspicion on Arab voter participation to block a political transition. The 19 lawmakers from Arab parties could potentially give opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot a parliamentary majority, though Netanyahu's efforts to delegitimize their vote may complicate coalition negotiations and delay the formation of a new government. The election outcome leaves Israel in political uncertainty, as Netanyahu seeks to maintain power while facing potential challenges from a unified opposition bloc that would depend on Arab party support to secure a governing coalition.