❗️Lieberman backs Eisenkot for Israeli prime minister, Lapid for Knesset speaker amid coalition deadlock Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman announced on Monday that his party will recommend Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot for Israeli prime minister and support Yair Lapid for Knesset speaker, following last week's elections. Lieberman said his priority was forming a government as quickly as possible to avoid another election, warning that a minority government would collapse within a year and allow Benjamin Netanyahu to return to power. Lieberman also announced plans to begin collecting signatures next Tuesday to replace current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of Netanyahu's Likud party, accusing him of violating parliamentary rules. Opposition leaders are reportedly seeking to remove Ohana after the new Knesset is sworn in on 10 November, potentially giving them greater control over legislation, parliamentary votes, and committee appointments. The election results left Netanyahu's bloc with 53 seats and the opposition bloc with 48, neither securing the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. However, the Palestinian parties, which won 19 seats, have expressed willingness to cooperate with the opposition to replace Netanyahu. Their support could bring Eisenkot's potential recommendations to 67, allowing President Isaac Herzog to grant him the mandate to form a government. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett also announced his support for Eisenkot on Sunday, although no formal agreement has been reached among opposition parties. Presidential consultations are expected to begin Wednesday, with coalition negotiations potentially leading to a new government, a minority administration, a unity government, or another election, according to The Jerusalem Post.