Israel faces political deadlock as deadline nears for government formation

Israel faces political uncertainty as President Isaac Herzog must designate a candidate Sunday, with 28 days to form a government. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has 67 parliamentary recommendations versus Netanyahu's 46, but no coalition is secured. Arab parties, holding a historic 19 seats, are essential for an alternative government, yet some opposition factions refuse to rely on them. Avigdor Lieberman has signaled openness to negotiating with ultra-Orthodox parties, potentially softening his military service demands, while Eisenkot maintains conditions including mandatory conscription and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist group. Netanyahu, still leading a caretaker government, advocates a national unity government under his leadership and warns against Arab party influence. If Eisenkot fails, Netanyahu could re-emerge as candidate, as Likud remains the largest party.