Chances of a new premiership term for Netanyahu shrink: rival gets first opportunity to form a government

In the October 27 elections, Netanyahu's Likud party became the largest but failed to secure a majority with 53 seats. The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot has 48 seats but could potentially reach 67 with Arab party support, although this is politically sensitive. President Herzog has allowed Eisenkot to attempt coalition formation first, diminishing Netanyahu's chances of remaining in power. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has not accepted the election results and is investigating alleged vote theft by Arab parties, despite the Israeli electoral authority affirming the election's integrity. He remains in office as a caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.