Benjamin Netanyahu seeks broader coalition amid Israeli political deadlock

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a plan to form an expanded national unity government ahead of elections scheduled for 2026. He emphasized that any coalition would exclude left‑wing and Arab parties, aiming to attract centrist‑right voters while retaining the support of the ultra‑Orthodox bloc that holds a sizable share of the 120‑seat Knesset. With the current Likud‑aligned bloc holding around 52 seats, Netanyahu needs allies to reach the 61‑seat majority required to govern.

In a parallel development, Netanyahu and major Israeli opposition figures reached an internal agreement to neutralise Iran’s enriched uranium, even if the United States does not back the action. The pact reflects frustration over stalled US‑Iran negotiations and uncertainty about former President Donald Trump’s role in a potential nuclear deal. Israeli officials say they are prepared to act unilaterally to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon capability.