https://www.cbc.ca/news/netanyahu-s-political-future-uncertain-after-challenger-gantz-chosen-to-form-new-israeli-government-1.5498533Here's a twist: Avigdor Lieberman, the far-right leader of Yisrael Beiteinu and Benjamin Netanyahu's former protege, has backed Blue and White's Benny Gantz to form a government.
One catch: Lieberman, along with two Blue and White MKs, refuse to support any government that needs the support of the Joint List, a coalition of largely Arab parties.
That leaves Gantz with 58 MKs backing him, if his government would rely on the Joint List, and Netanyahu with 58 MKs backing him, between Likud and the religious parties.
Both Gantz and Netanyahu have agreed in principle that a unity government between Likud and Blue and White is the best solution, but Gantz refuses to join a government that includes Netanyahu as long as he is facing trial on corruption charges, and Netanyahu refuses to join any government that excludes his religious allies.