By Basant El-Faramawy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reliance on nationalist fear-mongering failed to secure a parliamentary majority in the Oct. 27 election, leaving the country in political deadlock.
Rightward Shift and Ben-Gvir's Rise
The election reflected a three-decade rightward shift epitomized by Itamar Ben-Gvir, who once brandished a stolen hood ornament from Yitzhak Rabin's car and now serves as national security minister. Ben-Gvir's recent dehumanizing remarks about Palestinians in Gaza went unchallenged by Netanyahu.
Netanyahu's Strategy and the Center's Demise
Netanyahu's explicit rejection of a Palestinian state has become mainstream Israeli consensus after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, but constant war has fueled radicalization. Political scientist Yotam Margalit says Netanyahu sought to demolish the political center and portray the left as unpatriotic.
Election Setback and Coalition Math
Despite his "Mr. Security" image, Netanyahu presided over the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. His Likud party remained the largest single faction but his far-right coalition won only 53 seats, down from 64 in 2022 and short of the 61 needed to govern.
Political Uncertainty Ahead
Weeks of uncertainty loom as coalition negotiations begin, with a clear majority of voters having cast ballots against Netanyahu.
