Updated

United Torah Judaism sources say Avigdor Lieberman has held secret contacts with the party for months, and its Agudat Yisrael faction signals it could back another government if yeshiva students' status is secured. Jerusalem Post analysis reported Likud officials privately concede that a deal depends on an acceptable draft arrangement. Netanyahu is working to block an Eisenkot-led government, the reporting said. President Isaac Herzog gave Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to try to form a government, setting a 28-day clock to secure 61 of 120 seats, though Herzog could extend it by 14 days. Eisenkot has not won a clear majority, and Al-Monitor described his coalition options as none ideal. The Jerusalem Post reported that Eisenkot is seeking haredi support to oust Knesset Speaker Ohana on inauguration day, and UTJ chairman Yakov Asher said the party would not back that effort before a new government is formed.