Israel's deadlocked election leaves Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties as kingmakers

■ Steady

Israel's deadlocked election leaves Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties as kingmakers

On Tuesday, reports said neither bloc is close to a majority, so Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties hold the key to forming the next government, leaving Netanyahu's future uncertain. Israel's opposition met for the first time since the vote, and all parties in Eisenkot's camp have endorsed him as prime minister. The open question is whether to join forces with the Arab parties, which made surprise gains. Netanyahu says voters chose him.

• President Herzog must name a candidate to form a government by November 11, and coalition talks are expected to be difficult.
• Netanyahu and Eisenkot were to make rival cases to the president on Monday over who should get the first chance to build a coalition.
• Netanyahu has described the election as stolen, while Israel's election body says the result stands even if claims of foreign interference prove true.
• Israel has alleged Qatar interfered in the election, and Qatar rejects the allegations.