Opposition weighs deal: Netanyahu PM 2 years, then president

With final election results pointing to a near-tie and no clear path to a governing majority, frantic consultations are taking place behind the scenes across Israel's political map. A senior opposition figure now says the key to breaking the deadlock rests entirely in the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the source, if Netanyahu chooses to lead a national move toward a broad unity government, a realistic framework could be assembled: Netanyahu would serve just two more years as prime minister, parallel to the term of US President Donald Trump and at the end of that period would reach an understanding with Gadi Eisenkot on stepping down and running for president of the state, vacating the prime minister's chair.

At the same time, such an arrangement could involve a structural shift in the coalition's makeup. The move might include parting ways with Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir and possibly even with United Torah Judaism, while relying on Shas and Religious Zionism.

"Fundamental disputes like a state commission of inquiry"

The senior source explained that the road to such an agreement has significant obstacles, as deep disagreements exist on foundational issues, such as establishing a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 and other matters of principle.

The source drew a sharp distinction between campaign promises and ideological positions: It's possible to reach compromises and show flexibility on campaign promises, but it will be far harder to bridge the gaps on ideological and principled issues.

"Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot are not going to volunteer themselves to do this before Netanyahu clarifies his moves," he explained. "Imagine there are elections, they're not going to volunteer to jump headfirst into a pool when they still don't know if there's water in that pool or not."