Israel's election deadlock opens up four possible scenarios

Israel’s election deadlock is likely to open weeks or months of coalition bargaining, with each viable path requiring compromises and breaking campaign promises, according to the scenario outlined around President Isaac Herzog’s next steps. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing religious allies are projected to win 53 seats in Israel’s 120-member parliament, while the opposition bloc is forecast at 48—short of a majority to govern alone. Two Israel-Arab parties are set for 19 seats, nearly doubling representation after frustration over violence drove record turnout. Herzog must decide who gets first attempt to form a coalition reaching 61 seats. If neither Netanyahu nor former general Gadi Eisenkot clears the threshold, another election could occur next year. The text also describes the potential unity-government route as challenging due to Eisenkot’s pledges.