Netanyahu Meets Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as Knesset Deadlock Persists

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with key coalition partners to solidify his bloc after Tuesday's election failed to produce a clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The talks come amid a dispute between political factions over the validity of the vote and the timeline for forming a new government.

On Thursday, Netanyahu held separate meetings with Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit and the National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionist Party. Otzma Yehudit stated that Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu discussed strategies to maintain a right-wing government and prevent a left-wing administration backed by parties associated with terrorism. The meeting with Smotrich was described as a coordination of steps.

Leaders from the opposition bloc also convened on Thursday. Yair Lapid of the Democrats party met separately with Mansour Abbas of Ra'am, Gadi Eisenkot of Yashar, and Naftali Bennett of B'Yachad. Bennett held additional meetings with Eisenkot and Lapid. These discussions are part of an effort to assemble a replacement government.

Eisenkot accused Netanyahu and Likud of running a coordinated campaign to undermine the legitimacy of the election results. He stated that his party would not allow deviations from the planned timetable for the Knesset's swearing-in. Eisenkot also addressed reports of foreign interference, noting that it was premature to determine if such interference occurred and that professional authorities must finish their investigations without political interference.

Lapid addressed the public disappointment that neither side secured the 61 seats required for a majority. He cited a voter turnout of 77.7% and argued that the results represented a win for Netanyahu's opponents, even if they did not yield a decisive mandate. Lapid acknowledged that forming an alternative government would be difficult and offered no guarantee of success.

Eisenkot announced that his team is preparing several bills for submission when the Knesset convenes. These include legislation for universal military recruitment, a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, and changes to budget allocation mechanisms. Lapid compared the current negotiations to the work of a watchmaker, urging the public to exercise patience as the gears are carefully assembled.

Both leaders emphasized the need for restraint during the formation process. Eisenkot pledged to act with determination, while Lapid advised citizens not to expect constant updates on the discreet work required to build a government.