Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to thwart deal to oust him

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to dissuade his opponents from forming a government as he seeks to hold on to power.

Centrist party leader Yair Lapid has until Wednesday to build a coalition.

Media reports from Israel say he is close to reaching a deal with ultra-nationalist leader Naftali Bennett.

Mr Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving PM, fell short of a decisive majority at a general election in March – the fourth in two years.

Mr Lapid could be close to reaching a deal, says BBC Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher.

Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial for fraud, has been in power for 12 years and has dominated Israeli politics for a generation. He was given the first chance at forming a government but was unable to secure the coalition partners needed.

Mr Lapid’s Yesh Atid party came second to Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud at the last election and was given until 2 June to build a coalition.

Mr Lapid’s 28-day mandate to form a government was interrupted by the recent 11-day conflict in Gaza.

Under Israel’s electoral system of proportional representation, it is difficult for a single party to gain enough seats to form a government outright. Smaller parties are usually needed to make up the numbers needed for a coalition.

Credit: bbc.com

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