India, Nov. 2 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly shifted his focus towards fresh elections after concluding that efforts to form a governing coalition are unlikely to succeed, according to Israeli news outlet C14.

Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the report said Netanyahu had abandoned attempts to negotiate a unity government and was preparing his political camp for another election campaign.

The development comes after the recent parliamentary election left Israel with a fragmented Knesset. Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition won 48. The two Arab-led parties, Ra'am and the Joint List, together hold 19 seats. A coalition needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to com...