Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been given the first opportunity to form a new government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October elections. President Isaac Herzog selected the former military chief on Saturday, initiating a 28-day period during which Eisenkot must assemble a coalition to lead the country. This move raises the possibility of an end to Netanyahu's long tenure in power.

Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, faces a significant challenge due to the sharply conflicting positions among opposition parties on critical issues such as national security, religion, and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. Neither Eisenkot's bloc nor Netanyahu's current alignment commands a majority in the 120-member Knesset, placing Arab-led parties in a potentially decisive role.

"Now is the time to form a national emergency government. I will do everything to ensure we are worthy," Eisenkot stated on social media. However, his potential coalition partners, including the centre-left Democrats led by Yair Golan, Naftali Bennett's centre-right Together party, and Avigdor Lieberman's right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu, collectively hold only 48 seats.

The implications of Eisenkot's mandate are profound, as his success or failure could determine the future political landscape of Israel. The refusal of both Eisenkot and Lieberman to rely on the support of Arab parties, despite their endorsement of Eisenkot's bid, complicates the path to forming a stable government.

Arab-led parties, Ra'am and the Joint List, which together hold 19 seats, have publicly endorsed Eisenkot's attempt to form a government. Their support would bring the broader anti-Netanyahu bloc to a combined 67 seats, a comfortable majority. However, Eisenkot has explicitly ruled out including Arab parties within his government, and Lieberman has stated his refusal to form a minority administration dependent on their backing.

This deadlock highlights the deep political divisions within Israel, exacerbated by the election results. The Yashar party, Democrats, Together, and Yisrael Beiteinu represent a diverse ideological spectrum, and bridging their differences on core policy matters will be crucial for coalition formation.

The situation creates a complex political calculus, where the support of parties outside a potential coalition could be vital for its survival, even if they are not formal partners. The coming weeks will reveal whether Eisenkot can navigate these divisions and forge a government capable of governing.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the potential for compromise between the various opposition factions and the role the Arab-led parties will ultimately play, even from outside a formal coalition. The outcome will significantly shape Israel's domestic and foreign policy in the near future.