Israeli Opposition Leader Poised to Form Government After Election

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is poised to be asked to form a new government after President Isaac Herzog's consultations, following the 27 October election where neither he nor outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a majority. Eisenkot received backing from 67 parliament members compared to Netanyahu's 46, though Herzog noted the outcome is complicated by mutual vetoes between blocs. Eisenkot's Yashar party has called for a national emergency government, citing public rejection of Netanyahu's leadership. Two Arab-majority lists won a record 19 seats and support Eisenkot, but right-wing ally Yisrael Beiteinu refuses to govern with them. Ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism declined to recommend Netanyahu, while disputes over military service exemptions for religious students remain a key issue.