Although for a period of time yesterday evening, it appeared that the opposition parties had ensured it would be almost impossible for Prime Minister Netanyahu to form Israel’s 38th government, this morning, with around 70% of the voted counted, the results are less clear. Currently neither bloc has the numbers to form a coalition. Though, as things stand, the majority of the people of Israel have voted against bringing Netanyahu back to power.
The big story of last night was the turnout in Palestinian Arab communities, and Ra’am and the Joint List look set to win around 18 seats between them. What is clear is that the route to a better reality runs through a partnership of equals with Palestinian citizens of Israel.
We will not know the outcome until the final votes have been counted, and the President has invited someone to form the next government. The process of attempted coalition building could then take months and may result in another election. Whatever happens next, our values do not change, and we will continue to fight for them regardless of who ends up leading the next government.
During this current Israeli administration, the most extreme in Israel’s history, Yachad supported the UK government to take bold actions that would safeguard the prospects of a political resolution in the long term. Whilst there is now a period of political uncertainty, we will maintain that long-term vision, doing whatever we can from here to support our partners on the ground fighting day in and out for a better reality.