Arab-majority lists back Eisenkot to form Israel’s next government

Arab-majority lists endorsed Gadi Eisenkot after Israel’s October 27 election, strengthening his position as President Isaac Herzog consults parties on whom to ask to form a government. Eisenkot’s ability to govern with their support remains uncertain.

• The Joint List and Raam both backed Eisenkot; they won 11 and eight seats respectively, giving Arab-majority lists 19 seats combined.· 1 source
• Herzog was consulting political parties after the election. The report says he traditionally gives the mandate to the lawmaker recommended by more parties, and that the chosen lawmaker has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to form a government.· 1 source
• United Torah Judaism declined to recommend Netanyahu or Eisenkot, while Eisenkot has said he wants to end exemptions from military service for religious students.· 1 source