Opposition leader Eisenkot may form Israeli government, but faces a difficult puzzle

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked with forming a new government, facing challenges due to conflicting party interests. Despite receiving more recommendations than Netanyahu's Likud, Eisenkot's path is complicated by the significant presence of Arab parties and their differing stances. He has set four conditions for collaboration, including recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and military service for all. While the United Arab List shows willingness to cooperate, the Joint List remains hesitant. Netanyahu is attempting to sway public opinion against an Arab-supported government, alleging electoral fraud without evidence. Eisenkot may also consider alliances with ultra-Orthodox parties, though their demands conflict with his campaign promises. The political landscape is tense, with Eisenkot needing to navigate these complexities within a limited timeframe to avoid handing the opportunity back to Netanyahu.