Analyst Declares Netanyahu Unable to Form Government Amid Arab Party Support
Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas asserts that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot form a government following the 2026 parliamentary election. He criticizes opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot for refusing to partner with Arab-led parties, calling such reluctance 'myopic and reckless.' Pinkas suggests Eisenkot could build a minority government with outside support from these parties, a path Netanyahu has dismissed as a 'shame and a disgrace.'
Key points
- Alon Pinkas, a former diplomat who advised Ehud Barak and Shimon Peres, stated unequivocally that Netanyahu cannot form a government.
- Pinkas criticized opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot for rejecting cooperation with Arab-led parties, labeling this stance 'myopic and reckless.'
- Pinkas proposed that Eisenkot could establish a minority government with the outside support of Arab-led parties, allowing them to back legislation without joining the coalition.
- Netanyahu rejected the prospect of relying on Arab-led support, describing it as a 'shame and a disgrace.'
- Pinkas argued that concerns about Arab-led parties undermining Israel's identity as a Jewish state should also apply to ultra-Orthodox parties that describe themselves as non-Zionist.
Background
This analysis follows the 2026 Israeli parliamentary election, where partial results indicated no clear winner. Previous coverage noted that neither Netanyahu nor challenger Gadi Eisenkot held a majority, with Arab parties achieving record turnout. This complicates coalition math, as both major leaders have refused to work with Arab-led factions. Earlier reports also highlighted tensions in the West Bank, where settlement expansion intensified ahead of the vote.
Why it matters
The inability to form a government could lead to political instability or a repeat vote. The debate over whether to include Arab-led parties in a coalition or support structure highlights deep divisions within Israeli politics regarding national identity and minority representation. This impasse may prolong uncertainty in governance during a period of heightened regional tension.
What to watch
Political observers doubt that a partnership between the opposition and Arab-led parties will materialize due to entrenched unwillingness among opposition leaders. If no government is formed, Israel may face a repeat election or a period of caretaker governance. The outcome will depend on whether Eisenkot can overcome internal resistance to working with Arab-led factions.
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