Israel's Next PM: Gadi Eisenkot Emerges as Frontrunner After Election Deadlock
Israel faces political deadlock after elections gave no bloc a 61-seat majority, leaving the next prime minister undecided. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is the frontrunner, backed by Arab parties seeking to oust Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot’s opposition alliance won 48 seats, Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc 53, and the Arab Joint List a record 19. Arab parties have pledged support to Eisenkot, though ideological conflicts persist. President Isaac Herzog has consulted lawmakers; 67 MPs back Eisenkot versus 46 for Netanyahu. Under Israeli law, the president can choose any MP likely to form a stable government, not necessarily the largest party leader. Eisenkot would get 28 days, extendable by 14, to build a coalition. Failure by both candidates could trigger another election.