Jerusalem:Israeli opposition parties have thrown their support behind Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, with consultations set with President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday and Thursday. This move comes after the Democrats, led by Yair Golan, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's Together party, along with Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu, announced their backing for Eisenkot.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Joint List, a three-party Arab alliance led by Yousef Jabareen, and the United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, are expected to make similar endorsements. This backing could give Eisenkot recommendations from 67 lawmakers in the Knesset, surpassing the 53 backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Yair Golan has accused Netanyahu of endangering Israel's security to maintain his grip on power. In a video, Golan alleged that Netanyahu was prepared to create a security crisis to hinder the democratic process. Lieberman has also ruled out joining a coalition with Netanyahu, emphasizing the opposition's struggle after losing seats in the election.

The recent parliamentary elections resulted in a deadlocked Knesset. Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition garnered 48. Arab parties won 19 seats, leaving both sides short of a majority. Despite holding a potential 67-seat alliance, the opposition and Arab parties have yet to agree on forming a coalition.

Lieberman's rejection of a minority government highlights the challenges in establishing a new coalition. Under Israel's system, Herzog must assign a lawmaker to form a government, which requires winning a confidence vote in the Knesset. Herzog's consultations are crucial in determining who receives the mandate to try and form a government.

The situation remains fluid, with possibilities ranging from new coalition negotiations to another election if an agreement cannot be reached.