Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that a right-wing government must be established to guarantee the country's long-term security. Speaking to supporters at the Likud party headquarters in West Jerusalem following the close of legislative elections, Netanyahu claimed that the Israeli regime cannot rely on coalitions with Arab parties, alleging they are fundamentally opposed to the state's existence.

With over half of the ballots tallied, projections indicate that Netanyahu’s bloc is poised to secure 56 seats, while the opposing alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot trails with 49 mandates. Neither faction appears to have a straightforward path toward securing a governing majority in parliament. While acknowledging that official results remain days away, Netanyahu maintained that Likud is on track to retain its position as the largest party in the legislature.

During his address, Netanyahu touted his administration's controversial security record since 2022, boasting of military actions and claiming that the Iranian regime has been brought to the brink of collapse. He further alleged a "historical opportunity" alongside the US regime of President Donald Trump to permanently neutralize perceived existential threats. However, political analysts interviewed by media outlets suggest that Netanyahu's rhetoric is a tactical spin designed to mask underlying weaknesses, noting that Likud's projected seat count represents its lowest performance since 2009.

Regional observers and political experts point out that the legislative outcome highlights deep societal and political fractures within the country. The Israeli regime now faces the prospect of protracted, uncomfortable coalition negotiations that could further destabilize the domestic political landscape and call into question the longevity of any future administration.

Source: www.aljazeera.com