Israel's Eisenkot gains edge in coalition talks as Netanyahu's path narrows

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot said he is making progress toward forming a government to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expecting President Isaac Herzog to give him the first mandate to build a coalition. Eisenkot is expected to receive recommendations from 67 of the 120 Knesset members, compared with 46 for Netanyahu, after the October 27 elections. Netanyahu's prospects weakened as longtime ally United Torah Judaism declined to recommend any candidate, while his bloc won 53 seats against Eisenkot's 48. The Joint List's backing boosts Eisenkot's recommendations but does not guarantee coalition participation, as the Arab alliance cited policy differences and may support the government from outside. Herzog is expected to formally ask Eisenkot to attempt forming the next government, though assembling a functioning cabinet remains a separate challenge.