Netanyahu's coalition prospects dim as ultra-Orthodox party withholds support

Benjamin Netanyahu's position weakened Thursday as the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party withheld support for any nominee, while an Arab-led party endorsed his rival Gadi Eisenkot. President Isaac Herzog will meet both candidates to decide who can form a government. The October 27 election ended in deadlock, with Netanyahu's Likud winning 27 seats but his religious-nationalist coalition securing only 53, while Eisenkot's bloc won 48. Herzog has until November 11 to pick a candidate, with Netanyahu remaining caretaker prime minister until a coalition forms or another election occurs. Netanyahu has cast doubt on election results, citing an investigation into possible vote tampering, though officials confirmed integrity was not compromised. Critics accuse him of undermining democratic processes, while far-right allies have called for arrests of Arab party leaders.