Israel’s Government Shift

The election results gave Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats, Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc 48, and the Arab lists 19, leaving no side with the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. Palestinian analysts believe a change of government could affect how the conflict is managed, but is unlikely to bring a fundamental shift in Israel’s objectives. Eisenkot’s coming to power could make it possible to implement parts of the second phase of the Gaza plan, such as partial withdrawals and the start of limited reconstruction, while security control continues. In the West Bank, settlement expansion is expected to continue, though its pace could change, while economic pressures may vary depending on the composition of the government. The Arab lists’ seats could give their representatives greater bargaining power and a stronger platform for Palestinian issues, but they do not guarantee a change in policy.

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