Israel faces government formation deadline after election deadlock

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost his coalition’s parliamentary majority in the October 27 legislative elections, but opposing Jewish parties also failed to secure a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. This stalemate leaves all existing blocs short of the 61 seats required for a majority, forcing parties to seek cross-bloc alliances or minority support to form a new government.

President Isaac Herzog must officially certify the election results by November 4 and task a Knesset member with forming a government by November 11. The designated candidate will have 28 days, extendable by 14 days, to assemble a coalition. Likely candidates include Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party received the most votes in the opposition bloc.

Political wrangling is expected to focus on whether opposition leaders will partner with Arab-led parties to achieve a majority or rely on outside support for a confidence vote. If no agreement is reached within the prescribed timeframe, the Knesset may be dissolved, sending Israelis back to the polls for another round of elections.

Read the full story at aljazeera.com.