Can Eisenkot assemble a government the Knesset will back?

The new Knesset was sworn in this week in Jerusalem, after an election ended in deadlock. Eisenkot has more recommendations than Netanyahu, but not all his supporters will sit in the same coalition.

The 120-seat chamber is split: Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, Eisenkot's holds 48 seats, and a majority needs 61 seats. The two Arab-led lists won a record 19 seats, but Liberman has vetoed any government that depends on outside backing from Arab lawmakers.

Eisenkot has 28 days, by most reports, with a possible two-week extension. If he fails within that time, a second candidate, probably Netanyahu, would get a chance, and further failure would likely mean another election.