Some voters demand Netanyahu’s departure. Others insist he must stay. A unity deal could test how much both sides are willing to swallow

Israel faces weeks of political uncertainty, as the parliamentary elections did not result in a majority for either side. A unity government could break the deadlock, but at what cost to domestic politics and regional stability?

After months of a fiercely contested race, Israelis are waking up to a political reality that offers little prospect of stability. The question is no longer who won the most seats in the Knesset, but who can form a government – and at what cost.

According to the preliminary results from the Central Elections Committee, which is responsible for counting the 7.3 million votes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading with a projected 27 out of 120 seats. The former chief of staff and head of the Yashar party, Gadi Eisenkot, comes in second, securing 21 seats in the Knesset.…