The ‘Joint List’—an alliance of Arab parties—has announced its support for tasking Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eizenkot with the formation of a new government. The alliance made this declaration on Thursday (November 5), following the general election held last week, reports Al Jazeera.
In a statement, the Joint List indicated that they would formally inform President Isaac Herzog on Thursday evening of their recommendation to entrust Gadi Eizenkot with the task of forming a government.
In last week’s general election, Arab-led parties secured a record 19 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s 120-member parliament. This has positioned these parties to play a pivotal role in the formation of the country’s next government.
With the 11 lawmakers from the Joint List formally recommending Eizenkot, the total number of legislators supporting him would reach 67—six more than the 61-seat majority required to form a government in the Knesset.
Previously, Ra’am—an Arab-led party that won eight seats—also announced its support for tasking Eizenkot with forming a government.
Meanwhile, although Netanyahu’s coalition holds 53 seats, it is possible that he may not ultimately retain the support of all 53 lawmakers. This follows a decision by ‘Degel HaTorah’—a faction within the ‘United Torah Judaism’ alliance that holds four of the alliance’s seven seats—to refrain from recommending any candidate.
According to a report by The Times of Israel, this ultra-Orthodox group has severed ties with Netanyahu, citing his coalition’s failure to pass legislation that would have exempted Haredi men from mandatory military service.
Separately, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has certified the final results of last week’s parliamentary election and has begun consultations with leaders of various political parties regarding who should be tasked with forming the next government.
On Wednesday, the President stated that he had held meetings with representatives from the Religious Zionist Party, Zehut, Shas, and Yisrael Beiteinu. In a post on X, Herzog stated that he has received recommendations from party representatives regarding which lawmaker should be tasked with forming a government. The President noted that this consultation process will continue on Thursday.
Once the consultation process concludes, the President will entrust the task of forming a government to the candidate he deems most suitable to lead a coalition. The two potential candidates in this regard are Netanyahu and Eisenkot.
The President has a few days to make his decision. Following this, the designated candidate will have 28 days to form a government, with the possibility of an extension of up to 14 additional days if necessary.
However, if neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot succeeds in forming a government, Israel could face another general election early next year.
