Opposition leader Eisenkot is closer to leading Israel, writes AFP

Gadi Eisenkot is favored to form Israel's new government with support from 67 lawmakers, while Benjamin Netanyahu has backing from 46. President Isaac Herzog will announce the appointed candidate on Sunday. No party bloc achieved a parliamentary majority in the recent elections, with Netanyahu's coalition securing 53 seats and the opposition 48. The ultra-Orthodox party did not recommend a candidate, while Arab parties supported Eisenkot. Herzog noted the complexities of forming a government due to mutual vetoes among parties. Netanyahu remains in office until a new government is established, with the appointed candidate having 28 days to form a government, extendable by two weeks.