A non-racist anti-Netanyahu bloc would have jumped at the opportunity to replace the prime minister after the election. But even the desire to end Netanyahu's rule cannot match the fear of being labeled an 'Arab-lover'

The opposition bloc leaders face three difficult paths: another election, a unity government with Netanyahu or a minority government backed by Arab parties. Eisenkot is still expected to receive the president's mandate to try to form a government

Senior figures in the Eisenkot bloc told Haaretz there is nothing they can do about Netanyahu's incitement campaign against them until the final results are in. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is trying to prevent them from appointing a new Knesset speaker