Arab parties back Eisenkot to form Israel's next government after election

Arab-majority parties in Israel have announced their support for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the country's next government, according to reports from Al Jazeera and France 24.

The Joint List, an alliance of Arab-led parties holding 11 seats, stated it would formally recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog, potentially giving him the backing of 67 lawmakers, which surpasses the 61-seat majority needed in the 120-seat Knesset, as reported by Al Jazeera.

In addition, the Ra’am party, another Arab-led group with eight seats, also declared its support for Eisenkot, further strengthening his position, according to Al Jazeera.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, which holds 53 seats, faces challenges as an allied religious party, Degel HaTorah, has indicated it will not endorse either candidate, breaking from Netanyahu due to disagreements over legislation related to military service exemptions, as noted by Al Jazeera.

Netanyahu has also made allegations of election fraud involving Arab parties, specifically Ra’am, although these claims have not been substantiated and the party denies any wrongdoing, according to Al Jazeera.

President Herzog is conducting consultations with political parties to decide whom to task with forming the government, traditionally selecting the candidate recommended by the majority of parties, which currently favors Eisenkot, as reported by France 24.