Eisenkot backed by Arab parties to form Israeli government

Arab lists back Eisenkot for government

Israel's largest Arab political alliance said Thursday it would back Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, bolstering his chances over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Election left no clear majority

The October 27 election produced no majority for either Netanyahu, a polarising right-winger who led Israel through three years of war, or Eisenkot, a former military chief promising national unity.

Herzog will choose who forms government

President Isaac Herzog was holding consultations with political parties and will choose whom to ask to form a new government. Traditionally the mandate goes to the person recommended by more parties.

Arab parties won historic 19 seats

Arab-majority lists won an unprecedented 19 seats in the election, making them potential kingmakers if Eisenkot's opposition chooses to work with them, though this remains unclear.

Joint List backs Eisenkot

The Joint List, which won 11 seats, said it would inform Herzog of its decision to recommend that Gadi Eisenkot be tasked with forming the government.

“it will inform Herzog this evening of its decision to recommend that Gadi Eisenkot be tasked with forming the government”

Raam also endorses Eisenkot

Raam, which won eight seats, also endorsed Eisenkot to form the next government, adding to the Arab parties' backing for the former military chief.

Netanyahu loses ultra-Orthodox support

United Torah Judaism, which backed Netanyahu after the previous five elections, declined to recommend him again as prime minister in its meeting with Herzog on Thursday.

Ultra-Orthodox party stays neutral

United Torah Judaism informed Herzog that it has decided not to recommend any member of Knesset to form a government, though it holds seven seats in the 120-member parliament.

“that it has decided not to recommend any member of Knesset to form a government”

Military service exemptions at stake

United Torah Judaism and Shas have pushed to maintain exemptions from military service for religious students. Netanyahu preserved the exemption but stopped short of enshrining it in law.

Resentment over exemption policy

Many Israelis resent the military service exemption as reservists serve multiple tours due to wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Ultra-Orthodox make up about 14 per cent of the population.

Eisenkot opposes exemptions

Eisenkot, who has tried to appeal to secular Israelis from left to right, has been adamant about ending exemptions from military service for religious students.

Ultra-Orthodox tactic unclear

Observers say United Torah Judaism's refusal to back Netanyahu is likely aimed at punishing him and showing their votes cannot be taken for granted, while they might still serve in his government.

Netanyahu's bloc outnumbered

Netanyahu's bloc, including United Torah Judaism, has 53 seats in the new parliament, compared to 48 for Eisenkot's bloc. Arab parties could tip the balance.

Arab gains driven by anger at Netanyahu

Arab-majority parties scored historic gains on the back of anger over Netanyahu's hard-right government, whose ministers have vowed to treat Arab Israelis much like Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Eisenkot risks losing some opposition allies

Eisenkot could form a government with Arab parties' numbers but would risk losing support from Avigdor Liberman, a former Netanyahu aide turned critic who shares hawkish views on Palestinians.

Netanyahu attacks opposition over Arab alliance

Netanyahu has relentlessly attacked the opposition for even the prospect of an alliance with Arab lawmakers. In a video Wednesday, he alleged foreign powers put money into the election and questioned Arab citizens' loyalty.

“serious suspicions”

Eisenkot has 28 days to form government

Once Herzog gives his mandate to a lawmaker, that person will have 28 days to form a government, with a potential 14-day extension. If they fail, Herzog will task someone else.