Netanyahu out? Arab-led parties back Gadi Eisenkot to form Israel’s next govt- what next?
Israel’s Joint List backs opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government after Arab-led parties win a record 19 parliamentary seats.
In a significant turn of events following Israel's recent general election, the Joint List, the country's largest Arab political alliance, has endorsed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next Israeli government. This development came as President Isaac Herzog continued consultations with political parties to determine who would receive the mandate to form the government.
The Joint List's support, combined with United Torah Judaism's (UTJ) decision not to recommend any candidate, has bolstered Eisenkot's prospects. With the Joint List holding 11 seats, Ra'am 8, and Eisenkot's bloc 48, his potential support could reach 67 lawmakers, giving him a clear advantage over Netanyahu's 46 lawmakers. However, while the Arab-led parties' electoral gains have made them influential players, their endorsement of Eisenkot does not guarantee their participation in a coalition.
Some potential partners, such as Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beiteinu, have expressed reluctance to support a government reliant on Arab parties. Netanyahu remains Israel's prime minister in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, while Eisenkot faces the challenge of turning his recommendations into a viable coalition.
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