Israel’s Parliament Sworn In As Eisenkot Tries To Forge A Government

Israel’s newly elected parliament has been sworn in without a government, after the election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc short of a majority and his rival Gadi Eisenkot without a clear route to power. President Isaac Herzog urged lawmakers to compromise to avoid another election, as Eisenkot tries to assemble a coalition.

Netanyahu’s Likud alliance holds 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while Eisenkot’s Yashar party and its partners hold 48; Arab-led parties have 19 seats and oppose Netanyahu. Eisenkot’s options include a minority government backed by Arab parties, an agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties or a unity government with Netanyahu, but each faces major obstacles. He has until 6 December, with a possible extension to 20 December, to form a government; if he fails, Netanyahu may get a chance before another election is called.