Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is set to secure the support of 67 lawmakers, a clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset, following an announcement from the Arab Joint List. The alliance confirmed on Thursday that it intends to formally notify President Isaac Herzog of its decision to recommend the Yashar party leader during the ongoing consultations to determine who will be tasked with forming the next government.
The decision to back Eisenkot was reached unanimously after internal discussions among the parties that comprise the Joint List. While the move is intended to help oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the alliance described the choice as difficult. In a statement, the Joint List noted that the opposition camp led by Eisenkot has not yet demonstrated a sufficient willingness to challenge Netanyahu’s policies, address incitement against Arab citizens, or defend the legitimacy of their political choices.
Once the 11 lawmakers from the Joint List submit their formal recommendation, Eisenkot is expected to reach 67 total endorsements, surpassing the 61-seat threshold required for a majority. The October 27 elections resulted in 53 seats for Netanyahu’s bloc, 48 for Jewish opposition parties, and 19 for Arab-led parties. The Ra’am party, which holds eight seats, had previously declared its support for Eisenkot. During his own consultations at the president’s residence, Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas emphasized the role of Arab citizens as a bridge, urging that this bridge not be destroyed.
These recommendations do not automatically form a governing coalition, but they are a primary factor for President Herzog as he decides which lawmaker to task with the formation of a government. In the meantime, opposition parties have agreed to coordinate their efforts and begin negotiations regarding policy guidelines and potential coalition agreements.
