National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party on Tuesday confirmed its intention to recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the candidate to form the government.
With neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot securing a parliamentary majority, Israel faces three possible outcomes: an opposition coalition, a unity government, or another election.
From Gaza to Syria and Lebanon, Trump wants an Israeli government that advances his regional ambitions, even if it means sidelining Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.
Three major broadcasters missed Likud by five to seven seats. The disagreement among pollsters was there to report all along, and newsrooms, ours included, failed to make it the story.
"We must do everything, certainly after yesterday, to avoid another round of elections," Israel's president said. "Therefore, I expect everyone who comes here to arrive with an open mind."
PM pulls ahead of Eisenkot with close to five million votes counted, but both blocs fall short of majority • Arab parties predicted to reach combined seat total of 19, complicating coalition efforts
According to the sources, Trump believes settler violence is undermining his regional vision and making it more difficult to implement.
Democrats chief: 'We have a majority, and opportunity to form a partnership with Israeli Arabs' • Joint List chair says Arab parties ready to 'pave way for Netanyahu's ousting'
Golan calls on opposition to form government with Arab parties • Nearly 80% of IDF troops voted in the 2026 Knesset elections • Trump claims endorsement shifted momentum for Netanyahu
"When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN.
Sources in the change bloc told Walla on Tuesday that there will be no second chance, and that party leaders must be ready to break promises and make painful compromises to form a government.
