Israel's opposition plots a deal with Arab parties to break Netanyahu's grip ahead of next week's deadlocked election
Benjamin Netanyahu faces a deadlocked election on 27 October, with Arab parties holding enough seats to hand the opposition a majority if it joins forces with them.Benjamin Netanyahu's battle to retain power, as surveys suggest his rivals could secure a majority by uniting with Arab parties ahead of the 27 October vote.
Polls show neither Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition nor the opposition 'change bloc' reaching the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority. The Joint List and Ra'am are projected to take around 14 to 15 seats, enough to tip the balance. In return for their support, the Arab parties want demolitions in Israeli Arab towns frozen. The vote is set for 27 October.
The opposition first aims to replace the Knesset Speaker after parliament convenes on 10 November.
Gadi Eisenkot vowed he would 'resign an hour later' if put in a rotation deal with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu turns 77 this week after treatment for early-stage prostate cancer earlier this year.
