Netanyahu meets Ben-Gvir, Smotrich as opposition leaders hold coalition talks

Netanyahu met Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as opposition leaders held separate talks. Eisenkot accused Likud of undermining the vote, while Lapid urged patience.

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud of attempting to undermine the legitimacy of Israel's election results, while Yair Lapid urged the public to remain patient as negotiations to form the next government continued behind the scenes.

The statements came amid uncertainty over the composition of the next government following Tuesday's election, with neither political bloc securing a clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Meanwhile, leaders of the bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu held meetings on Thursday in several configurations, some involving the Ra'am party. Democrats chairman Yair Golan met separately with Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas, Eisenkot, and Lapid, while B'Yachad party chairman Naftali Bennett held meetings with Eisenkot and Golan.

Meetings also took place within Netanyahu's bloc. Otzma Yehudit said party chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir held a lengthy meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, during which the two discussed "how to preserve the right-wing government and prevent the establishment of a left-wing government supported by supporters of terrorism."

Netanyahu also met with Religious Zionist Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich on Thursday for what was described as "coordination of steps." (Read More)