Israeli journalist Yoav Limor has described Israeli political landscape as being in “utter chaos” following the elections, arguing that no political camp can credibly claim victory as the Zionist entity remains deeply divided.
Writing in Israel Hayom, Limor said the vote produced several tactical gains but failed to resolve the political divisions that preceded it.
“No one can claim victory in the elections,” he wrote, pointing to Likud’s stronger-than-expected performance, the increased influence of Arab parties, and the popular majority secured by opponents of the government.
Limor also cited what he described as “the serious suspicion of Qatari-funded bribery in the elections,” stressing that the allegations require further investigation and clarification.
“Israelis entered this election season politically divided and emerged from it politically divided as well,” he wrote. “In short, utter chaos.”
Limor further suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could see a confrontation with Iran as a way to exploit the political stalemate and strengthen his position.
He argued that a war “could plunge Israel into a state of emergency, delay the Knesset’s swearing-in, obstruct coalition negotiations and potentially produce what Netanyahu would present as a major Israeli achievement, boosting his standing with the public.”
“From this position, he will seek to hold an additional round of elections,” Limor wrote, outlining what he described as Netanyahu’s possible electoral calculations.
According to Limor, Netanyahu could hope that another vote would reduce the fragmentation of the right-wing camp, lower turnout among Arab voters and Israelis living abroad, and bring him closer to securing a government made up entirely of right-wing parties.
Limor’s assessment paints a picture of an Israeli political system trapped in deadlock, with the prospect of renewed elections and regional escalation adding to the uncertainty.
According to the announced results of the Israeli parliamentary elections, Netanyahu’s camp secured 53 Knesset seats, falling short of the 61 needed for a majority that allows him to form a governmnet, while the opposition camp, led by former Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, won 48 seats. Arab parties secured the remaining 19 seats.
Source: Al-Manar English Website