Netanyahu open to Eisenkot alliance as Israel faces political deadlock: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition government with Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, despite publicly denying plans for a unity government, Israeli media reported on Monday.

Sources close to Netanyahu's Likud party told Israeli media that the prime minister was keeping his options open and that they were "examining every option". The sources said Netanyahu was concerned that Eisenkot could join forces with Arab-led parties and ultra-Orthodox factions to form an alternative coalition and remove him from power.

The possibility of an alliance comes amid political uncertainty following Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections, in which Netanyahu's bloc lost its majority in the 120-member Knesset.NETANYAHU'S BLOC FALLS SHORT OF MAJORITY

Netanyahu's bloc of allied parties secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, down from 68 in the outgoing parliament. The opposition bloc led by Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured the remaining 19 seats.

Together, the opposition and Arab-led parties have enough seats to form a government, although it remains uncertain whether they can reach an agreement on a common coalition.

Netanyahu has suggested that Eisenkot joining hands with Arab parties would amount to treason. The comments have drawn criticism from his political opponents, who accuse him of trying to prevent the formation of an alternative government.