Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out forming a unity government with political rival Gadi Eisenkot, despite publicly denying plans for such an arrangement, according to Israeli media reports.

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In private discussions, Netanyahu reportedly said he was examining all possibilities, including a deal that could involve rotating the prime minister's position between the two leaders. Sources close to Likud said the party was keeping its options open amid uncertainty over who can secure enough support to form Israel's next government.

The possibility comes after the October 27 parliamentary election left Netanyahu's bloc short of a majority in the 120-member Knesset. His bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition grouping led by Eisenkot won 48. Arab-led parties secured the remaining 19 seats.

A government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to command a majority. Neither main bloc can reach that mark on its own, leaving both sides with difficult coalition negotiations.

Netanyahu is reportedly concerned that Eisenkot could seek support from Arab-led parties and ultra-Orthodox factions to form an alternative government. The possibility of such an arrangement has become a major point of political debate, with Netanyahu criticising the prospect of cooperation with Arab parties.

Eisenkot, meanwhile, faces the challenge of bringing together opposition parties with differing political positions. Although their combined numbers could provide a route to replacing Netanyahu, disagreements over potential partners and policy priorities could complicate negotiations.

The next steps will depend on consultations led by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who must decide which candidate should be given the opportunity to form a government. The candidate will have to negotiate with other parties to secure the necessary parliamentary support.

With no bloc holding a clear majority, Israel faces potentially lengthy coalition talks. If the parties fail to reach an agreement through the government formation process, the country could be forced to hold another election.