Israel taps Eisenkot to try forming government after deadlocked vote

Israeli President Isaac Herzog picked Gadi Eisenkot on Nov. 7 to try to form a government after an election left neither Eisenkot nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a clear majority. Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist bloc remained the largest in parliament but finished short of the 61 seats needed to govern. Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, received the most endorsements after Arab parties backed him despite deep differences. He now faces difficult coalition talks, with options including a minority government relying on Arab votes, a deal with ultra-Orthodox parties or a unity arrangement with Netanyahu. Analysts cited in the report said each path looked unlikely, raising the prospect of another candidate trying next or a new election if talks fail.