The polls show neither bloc reaching 61 mandates. But the real numbers are worse than they look.
From the right-wing bloc's 50–54 seats, subtract Moshe Feiglin, who will not sit in a Netanyahu government. Subtract, too, the chareidi parties, especially United Torah Judaism, whose mandates are fragile so long as they demand a draft law before joining any coalition.
On the left, put a question mark over the seven mandates belonging to Naftali Bennett inside the Yachad party's 13–14 seats. Bennett has already shown he can cross the aisle in exchange for the premiership.
Now he could be the one who completes 61 for the right-wing bloc. Netanyahu will do anything to bring him over: sweeping promises of the defense portfolio, the treasury, whatever it takes. Perhaps even a fourth year as prime minister.
Until then, Eisenkot will pursue the reported plan: a minority government with Ra'am, or even without it. Together with the Arab parties, he can replace the Knesset speaker and even form a minority government. From there he will stretch it out as long as he can, heading the government and holding the ministries through the next election campaign.
