Politics

Israel's leaders may not accept Arab parties even if required for coalition, IDI president says

At least two Arab parties, Hadash and Ta’al, have indicated a willingness to set some of their agenda aside to help change Israel’s current leadership.

NOVEMBER 2, 2026|ByRUTH EGLASH/JTA

A protester holds a placard during a demonstration near the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem on October 31, 2026.

Israeli activists demonstrate outside the home of Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot in Herzliya, calling on him to form an alternative government with the support of Arab parties, October 29, 2026

Israel's post-election deadlock highlights deep societal divides, Arab political ceiling - opinion

With a national unity government appearing remote, the country faces the prospect of another early election within months - a contest in which Netanyahu would undoubtedly wager on regaining control.

NOVEMBER 2, 2026|ByMAJDI HALABI/THE MEDIA LINE

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Likud election campaign event in Tel Aviv, September 17, 2026.

Netanyahu calls for coalition of anti-terror parties, Oct. 7 survivors warn against unity gov't

IDI president says Israelis may not accept Arab parties in gov't • Opposition leaders to hold first joint meeting since election • CEC denies Likud request for briefing on suspected interference

NOVEMBER 2, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Fitch warns: Political deadlock threatens Israel's credit rating

The international rating agency warns that the lack of a majority to form a government will lead to the dissolution of the Knesset and repeat elections in April.

NOVEMBER 1, 2026|ByDANIEL COHEN

A plea from one American Jew to another: Vote Democrat, no matter what they say - opinion

I understand how much it hurts to hear a Democrat speak negatively about Israel. But no matter how much we care about Israel, this is bigger than that.

NOVEMBER 1, 2026ByARIELLA ELM

‘WHAT ARE the effects, in Israel, in the US, and the rest of the world, of the perceived opinions of American Jewry?’

Bennett backs Eisenkot as PM as talks with Herzog set for Wednesday

Mossad to provide Shin Bet with assessment of suspected foreign interference in elections • Likud MKs deny that they Yashar members asking them to defect • Liberman denies speakership reports

NOVEMBER 1, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot alongside members of his party at the party’s election headquarters in Tel Aviv, following the closing of polling stations and the release of exit poll results on Israel’s general election night, October 28, 2026.

Victors and vanquished alike: Israel cannot afford another war among itself - opinion

The government belongs to those elected to lead it. The country belongs to all of us. I believe Rabbi Sacks would have recognized this as the essence of covenant.

OCTOBER 31, 2026ByJONATHAN LIEBERMAN

A woman passes by a banner depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump day after the country held a national election, in Jerusalem, October 28, 2026

Joint List's Tibi says his party will not join coalition, supports replacing Knesset speaker

On Sunday, Tibi announced a plan to support an alternative government from outside the coalition in exchange for commitments to address the needs of Arab society.

OCTOBER 31, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

MK Ahmad Tibi attends Hadash–Ta'al faction meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 29, 2026.

Eisenkot lays out four coalition principles, says 'any MK' who accepts them can join government

Eisenkot said on Saturday that any MK willing to endorse his four principles could join a broad Zionist government, as he seeks to translate the October 27 election results into a new coalition.

OCTOBER 31, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Politics, punditry, and parenthood: Living life through country music - opinion

To this day, I still prefer cold Coke to white wine. And as far as music is concerned, I have fallen deeply in love with the country song, which some would say is even less refined than pop.

OCTOBER 31, 2026ByHERB KEINON

Cartoon drawing of a bearded cowboy wearing a red-and-white cowboy hat, holding a can while declining a glass of wine being poured from a bottle, with the word "Country" and an American flag guitar in the background.

Likud MKs deny that they Yashar members asking them to defect, Eisenkot sets coalition principles

Mossad to provide Shin Bet with assessment of suspected foreign interference in elections• Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Lapid meet to discuss election results, coordinate next steps

OCTOBER 31, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Demonstration at Habima Square in Tel Aviv in support of a Jewish-Arab partnership for the new government.

Middle Israel: Netanyahu and Eisenkot both lost, but Israel may have emerged the winner

The opposition had every reason to win by a landslide, but Eisenkot offered no vision beyond replacing a failed government.

OCTOBER 30, 2026ByAMOTZ ASA-EL

(L-R): Yashar head Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel cannot afford another election - its leaders must compromise for unity - opinion

What matters is who can assemble 61 seats and turn them into a functioning coalition. Neither side can do that right now, but Netanyahu appears to be in the stronger position.

OCTOBER 30, 2026ByYAAKOV KATZ

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at Likud headquarters following the release of exit polls.

Netanyahu survived October 7 and the election, but the political reckoning isn't over

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Netanyahu's political survival is remarkable. But the election has also revealed a weakened bloc, the beginnings of change, and serious failures by the pollsters.

OCTOBER 30, 2026ByHERB KEINON