A Major Political Shift in Israel as Arab Parties Back Eisenkot

Political uncertainty has intensified in Israel following the recent parliamentary elections, with former military chief and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot receiving strong support from Arab-led parties in the race to form the next government. The Joint List and Ra’am have recommended Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog, taking the number of lawmakers backing his nomination to 67 in the 120-member Knesset. This is above the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. The Arab-led parties secured a combined 19 seats in the elections, with the Joint List winning 11 and Ra’am securing eight. Their support has strengthened Eisenkot’s position and increased pressure on incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s position has weakened after his longtime ally, the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, declined to recommend any candidate during the presidential consultations. Although Netanyahu’s ruling bloc holds 53 seats in the Knesset, only 46 lawmakers recommended him to form the next government. President Isaac Herzog has said he will announce his decision on Sunday after completing consultations with the political parties. While Eisenkot currently has the backing of 67 lawmakers, this does not automatically guarantee that he will be able to form a coalition government. The president will consider which candidate is best positioned to secure a functioning government.