Netanyahu eyes alliance with Eisenkot amid Israeli post-election stalemate

TEL AVIV: No party secured a clear majority in the elections held in Israel on October 27. Although Benjamin Netanyahu was widely expected to lose power, his Likud Party won 53 of the 120 seats. Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar Party finished second with 48 seats. With no party securing a majority, Israeli media reports suggest that Netanyahu is now considering a significant political move.

According to i24NEWS, Netanyahu may be exploring the possibility of forming a coalition government with Gadi Eisenkot. Although Netanyahu and his party have publicly dismissed the reports, media close to the Likud Party say the Prime Minister is seeking the views of various factions on the possibility.

Netanyahu is reportedly concerned that Eisenkot could join forces with Arab parties to form a government with hardline conservative factions, thereby removing him from power. This is believed to be one of the reasons behind Netanyahu's consideration of a coalition arrangement with Eisenkot.

Meanwhile, Arab parties are reportedly actively considering proposing Gadi Eisenkot for the post of Prime Minister. There are indications that they may formally communicate their proposal to President Isaac Herzog.