Gadi Eisenkot is currently ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu in the race to become Israel’s next prime minister. The Arab-led Joint List and the Ra’am party are poised to nominate Eisenkot for the position, a senior leader from the Joint List revealed in an interview with the Hebrew-language news outlet Walla on Sunday.
According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the Arab parties have signaled their support for Eisenkot during discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The President is set to receive the official election results from the Central Elections Committee this coming Wednesday (November 4), after which he will hold a series of meetings with leaders of various political parties at his residence.
At an event on Sunday, President Herzog urged political parties to accept the election results and reach a consensus on forming a government. He warned that if any side remains rigid in its stance during negotiations, the country could face yet another round of elections.
Herzog emphasized that political leaders must approach the discussions with an open mind—listening to one another, exchanging views, and finding practical, creative solutions to avoid the need for new elections.
60 for Eisenkot, 46 for Netanyahu
A report by the Israeli news outlet Ynet on Sunday indicated that the consultation process between the President and the political parties could begin on Wednesday, though it might extend through Thursday and potentially into Friday.
Under Israeli law, the President must conclude consultations with political parties within seven days of the official election results being announced. Following this, he will designate a leader to take on the task of forming a government.
Typically, the task of forming a government is entrusted to the individual who secures the most support or recommendations from members of parliament. In the current political landscape, Gadi Eisenkot leads in this race.
According to preliminary estimates, he could garner the support of 60 lawmakers, including those from the Arab parties. Furthermore, if the Yisrael Beiteinu party—a member of the ‘change’ bloc—also extends its support, this number could rise to 67.
On the other hand, Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to receive a total of 46 recommendations from the Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Shas, and Religious Zionism parties. However, it remains unclear which way the seven seats held by the United Torah Judaism party will lean; the party may choose to remain neutral until political negotiations conclude.
Nevertheless, receiving the highest number of recommendations from the President does not guarantee the formation of a government. The designated leader will subsequently need to reach agreements with various parties to forge a viable coalition. Additionally, securing a majority in a vote of confidence within the Knesset—Israel’s parliament—will pose a significant challenge.
