Tel Aviv (Monitoring Desk): The formation of a new government in Israel has reached a deadlock following the general elections held on October 27. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a major political setback when his key rival and former army chief, Gadi Eisenkot, secured the support of a majority of elected members of parliament.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog held consultations with various political parties, during which 67 members of the 120-member parliament recommended Gadi Eisenkot, while 46 members expressed support for Netanyahu. The president has until November 11 to decide which candidate should be given the responsibility of forming the government.
Netanyahu's Likud party retained its position as the largest political party by securing 27 seats. However, his religious and nationalist alliance managed to win only 53 seats collectively, failing to secure a parliamentary majority.
On the other hand, the alliance supporting Eisenkot secured 48 seats, while Arab minority parties won a total of 19 seats and announced their support for Eisenkot.
Netanyahu has also raised allegations of electoral rigging, but Israel's Central Elections Committee has made it clear that the transparency of the elections was not compromised. Netanyahu's allies have also demanded the arrest of leaders of Arab parties.
Netanyahu will continue performing his duties as caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed.