Israel parliament sworn in as leaders compete to form government after election deadlock

A difficult coalition task

On Sunday, President Isaac Herzog asked Eisenkot to try to form a government. He said the effort would require “creative and unconventional political steps,” according to Herzog. The election was widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu, but its result left uncertainty over who will lead the next government. Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed, a process that could take days or months.

Arab parties hold influence

Arab parties may hold the balance of power. Netanyahu has ruled out governing with them, while three parties in Eisenkot’s bloc oppose bringing them into a coalition. The United Arab List, with eight seats, has said it is willing to join an Eisenkot-led coalition. The Joint List, which won 11 seats, has offered support in parliament without joining the government.

Disagreements over policy

The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Shas parties won 13 seats combined. They strongly oppose changing the status quo, while every party in Eisenkot’s bloc campaigned for change.

Those parties could seek significant concessions on military conscription in return for support, a demand that might be unacceptable to most of Eisenkot’s partners. Eisenkot said any Zionist party, including opposition parties, could take part, and warned against relying on what he called “the Islamists,” apparently referring to Arab parties.