Can Netanyahu and Eisenkot form a ‘unity’ government in Israel?

Caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a unity government with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, saying it is vital to Israel’s security and could address the Iranian threat. Eisenkot called the appeal a “bluff”, but confirmed that his Yashar party and Netanyahu’s Likud are discussing the proposal.

The election left Eisenkot’s bloc with 48 of the Knesset’s 120 seats and Netanyahu’s bloc with 53; Palestinian-led factions won 19. Eisenkot could seek their support, rely on Ra’am for a minority government, or negotiate with ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, though allies disagree over both routes. President Isaac Herzog has given Eisenkot until 6 December to form a government, with a possible extension to 20 December.