Israel. Eisenkot gains strength to form government on day of meetings with the country's president

Negotiations for a new Israeli government continue, with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot gaining momentum after receiving support from an Arab party and the exit of an ultra-Orthodox faction from the coalition. President Isaac Herzog is meeting with party representatives to appoint a candidate for government formation. Eisenkot's bloc, which includes much of the previous opposition, is now favored, while Netanyahu's coalition faces challenges after the ultra-Orthodox party decided not to recommend a candidate. This shift reduces Netanyahu's support in the Knesset, potentially paving the way for Eisenkot's selection. However, Eisenkot previously stated he would not include Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties in his government.