Netanyahu bloc gains slight edge over Eisenkot but political deadlock looms as neither side set to secure majority

Jerusalem, Oct 28 (UNI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has secured 53 seats against 48 for the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, according to the Central Elections Committee, leaving both sides short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority and setting the stage for weeks of negotiations over the country's next government. Arab parties have secured a combined 19 seats, marking a historic high. However, an opposition government relying on their support remains an unlikely prospect. The results represent a stronger showing for Netanyahu than initial exit polls suggested, which had placed Eisenkot's bloc ahead. Despite…