Eisenkot begins coalition talks after Israel election deadlock

Gadi Eisenkot began assembling a coalition after Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave him a mandate to form a new government following an inconclusive election result. Herzog took the step after consulting political parties following the Oct. 27 vote, in which Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats and Eisenkot's camp 48, both below the 61-seat majority threshold in the Knesset. Arab parties won 19 seats, and 67 lawmakers were reported to have recommended Eisenkot, but he has so far ruled out a coalition with Arab parties. Eisenkot is now seeking support from parties previously close to Netanyahu, including Shas and United Torah Judaism. If he fails within 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, Herzog can transfer the mandate to another candidate.