The eyes of the world are on Israel! After 24 hours, all memories may be broken: 'The nightmare has begun for Netanyahu'

NEWS CENTER / The situation that emerged after the elections in Israel dragged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into a more difficult government equation than ever before. While his own political alliance could not gain a majority in the parliament, a party with which he had been acting together for many years did not support him.

Moreover, his rival Gadi Eisenkot received the support of 67 deputies in the 120-seat parliament. Netanyahu's political future now depends on the 28-day government formation process that will begin after the decision made by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This period may be the beginning of a new era that may bring the end of Netanyahu's rule, which has been going on for years.

'THE NIGHTMARE HAS BEGIN'

Following the elections held on October 27, Herzog held meetings with party representatives in the parliament to determine the name that would be given the authority to form the government. At the end of the talks, 67 MPs supported Gadi Eisenkot and 46 MPs supported Netanyahu. While the 21-person difference between the two names revealed the extent of Netanyahu's political support in the parliament, comments rose in the Tel Aviv backstage that "the nightmare has begun for Netanyahu".

Although the Likud Party led by Netanyahu became the largest party in the parliament, winning 27 seats, its alliance consisting of right-wing and religious parties remained at a total of 53 seats. Not all MPs in his own alliance supported Netanyahu, who could not reach the 61-seat majority required to form a government. Its long-time coalition partner, the United Torah Judaism Party (UTJ), decided not to support either candidate in its talks with Herzog. It is stated that the party's attitude is influenced by the Netanyahu government's failure to meet its expectations for ultra-Orthodox Jews to be exempt from military service.

'67 REACHED SUPPORT'

Parties that supported Eisenkot included Yashar, Yisrael Beytenu, Ra'am, Democrats, Together and Joint List. However, it is not expected that all of this support will turn into government partnership. Because 19 seats, which enabled Eisenkot to reach 67 deputies, come from Arab parties. Eisenkot, on the other hand, is not keen on including Arab parties in his government.

While Ra'am, one of the Arab parties, stated that it was open to participating in a government to be formed under the leadership of Eisenkot, the Joint List brought up the option of providing external support instead of entering the government. Eisenkot put forward conditions for Arab parties to join the government, such as recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. Therefore, the support of 67 MPs does not yet mean a government majority of 67 people.

Excluding Arab parties, the four Jewish parties supporting Eisenkot have a total of 48 seats. There are differences of opinion in this bloc, too. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman opposes a coalition based on support from Arab parties. On the other hand, the withdrawal of support from Netanyahu's ally UTJ raises the possibility of the dissolution of the old coalition. Shas, on the other hand, continues its support for Netanyahu.

Thus, while Netanyahu is faced with the loss of support in his own alliance, on the other hand, he is faced with a bloc that aims to remove him from power, but also has disagreements within itself. It remains unclear how Eisenkot will achieve the 61-seat majority.

'28 DAY CRITICAL PERIOD'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will announce who he will give the task of forming the government on Sunday, November 8. However, the president is not obliged to appoint the candidate who receives the most parliamentary support. After the discussions in the parliament, Herzog can choose the member of parliament he deems most likely to form the government. As a matter of fact, Herzog stated that despite the support tables of 67 and 46 people, mutual veto decisions between political blocs made it unclear who could form a government.

The appointed candidate has 28 days to form a government. The President can extend this period up to 14 days upon request. The candidate must complete coalition negotiations and submit his government to a vote of confidence in the parliament within this period. It is not necessary for 61 deputies to vote in favor for a vote of confidence; If the votes in favor are more than the votes against, a minority government can also be formed.

This is where the critical process for Netanyahu begins. If Eisenkot is appointed, he will have to bring different parties together under the same government roof for 28 days. Failure of this attempt may bring the possibility of Netanyahu forming a new government to the agenda. However, this time, Netanyahu will need to complete the missing support in his own alliance and attract at least one party from the opposition.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT FAILS?

If the first appointed candidate cannot form a government within 28 days or declares that he cannot fulfill his duty, the president can appoint another member of parliament within three days or convey the issue to the Speaker of the Parliament. The second candidate is given 28 days to form a government, but this period cannot be extended.

If the second attempt fails, MPs in the parliament can request the appointment of another candidate who can receive the support of the majority within 21 days. The President must appoint the candidate who accepts the position and receives the support of the majority within two days. The third candidate has 14 days to form a government.

If this attempt fails, the parliament is deemed to be dissolved and the early election process begins. It is envisaged that new elections will be held before the last Tuesday within 90 days following the president's announcement to this effect.

HE CAN CONTINUE HIS OFFICE TEMPORARILY

While attempts to form a government continue, Netanyahu and his ministers will continue their duties as an interim government. He will not have to step down as prime minister until a new coalition is formed. If the process results in an early election, he can remain as interim prime minister until the new government takes office.

However, the 53-seat alliance table that emerged after the elections, the direct support of 46 MPs and the retreat of his long-term ally UTJ increases the political obstacles facing Netanyahu. The opposing bloc, on the other hand, has a significant starting advantage in its attempt to form a government with the support of 67 MPs.