Arab Parties Recommend Gadi Eisenkot to Form Israeli Government

Israel is facing a political deadlock following the October 27 general election, which left the 120-seat Knesset divided among three primary blocs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition secured 53 seats, down from 64 in the previous term. An opposition coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot holds 48 seats, while Arab parties nearly doubled their representation to a record 19 seats.

Arab-led parties, including the Joint List and Ra'am, have emerged as kingmakers and announced their recommendation for Gadi Eisenkot to form the government. With their support, Eisenkot could secure 67 lawmakers, surpassing the 61-seat majority threshold. However, the alliance faces significant hurdles. Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman have stated they will not serve in a government with Arab parties, and Eisenkot has set conditions for coalition members to recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and Hamas as a terrorist organization.

President Isaac Herzog has begun consultations with political parties to determine who can assemble a coalition. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has alleged foreign interference and fraud in the election, though the Central Elections Committee certified the results after finding no evidence of fraud. The right-wing bloc also faces internal instability, as the Degel HaTorah faction has declined to recommend a candidate due to disputes over Haredi military service exemptions.