Netanyahu Faces Uphill Battle to Form Coalition After Israel Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confronting one of the toughest political challenges of his career after his Likud party and its right-wing allies fell short of a majority in the recent election. With 52 seats for his bloc, Netanyahu must now negotiate with former rivals and potential kingmakers to reach the 61 seats needed for a government. He is expected to draw on his decades of experience and deep political connections, but old adversaries and new fractures within the right-wing camp complicate the path. The coming weeks will test whether Netanyahu can once again defy the odds and secure a record sixth term, or whether Israel will see a new coalition led by his opponents. The outcome will shape Israel's domestic agenda and its approach to regional security, making this a pivotal moment for the country's leadership and future direction.