Eisenkot gets opposition backing as leaders vow to form emergency gov't 'as soon as possible'

Yashar's Gadi Eisenkot, B'Yachad's Naftali Bennett, Yisrael Beytenu's Avigdor Liberman, and the Democrats' Yair Golan were set to meet on Tuesday morning for their first joint meeting since the elections, as all leaders have said they intend to recommend Eisenkot to form the next government when consultations at the President’s Residence begin.

President Isaac Herzog will begin his consultations with representatives of the parties elected to the 26th Knesset on Wednesday, starting with the smallest factions.

The consultations will begin Wednesday at 5 p.m. with Religious Zionism-Zehut, and end with Likud at 8:30 p.m. the following day.

Political deadlock could lead to another election

The opposition bloc lacks the required 61-seat Knesset majority with the support of the Arab parties. The election results showed that Netanyahu’s bloc maintained its lead, securing 53 seats in the next Knesset, while the opposition bloc won 48.

The political deadlock could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations. Other possible outcomes include a unity government among Netanyahu and members of Eisenkot’s bloc, or the formation of a minority government.

The Arab parties have expressed willingness to cooperate with the oppostion bloc to work toward replacing Netanyahu.