By Basant El-Faramawy
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to meet Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot as the country grapples with political deadlock following last month's inconclusive election.
Blair's diplomatic meetings in Israel
Blair, a senior member of Donald Trump's Board of Peace, arrived in Israel this week for talks aimed at advancing the stalled Gaza ceasefire plan. On Thursday, he met separately with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Election deadlock and coalition prospects
The October 27 election left neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot with a clear path to a parliamentary majority. Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, must now choose a candidate to attempt forming a coalition in a deeply divided legislature.
Lawmaker endorsements and Herzog's decision
On Thursday, Eisenkot secured endorsements from 67 of the 120 lawmakers, while Netanyahu received 46. Herzog said the consultations revealed "mutual vetoes between the blocs and within the blocs themselves," complicating the path to a government. He plans to announce his choice on Sunday after further talks over the weekend.
Eisenkot's positions and criticism of peace framework
Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, is seen as more moderate on military strategy but has ruled out allowing a Palestinian state. He has previously criticized the Board of Peace framework, warning it would leave Hamas in power.
Gaza ceasefire efforts and shuttle diplomacy
Blair has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy between Jerusalem, Cairo, and other Middle Eastern capitals as a founding executive member of the Board of Peace. The US-led framework envisions a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas disarmament, though the plan has stalled amid continued violence.
