Netanyahu gone? Arab-led parties back Gadi Eisenkot to form next Israeli government – what next? | Today’s news
Israel’s largest Arab political alliance, the Joint List, said on Thursday (November 5th) it will recommend opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government after last week’s general election.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s chances of retaining power have weakened after the country’s largest Arab political alliance, the Joint List, backed opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government.
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The development came on Thursday as President Isaac Herzog continued consultations with political parties to decide who should be given the mandate to form Israel’s next government. The approval of the Joint List, along with the decision by Netanyahu’s longtime ally United Torah Judaism (UTJ) not to recommend any candidate, strengthened Eisenkot’s position.
“The joint list announced today, Thursday, that it will inform the state president Isaac Herzog this evening of its decision to recommend that Gadi Eisenkot be entrusted with the formation of the government,” the alliance said in a statement.
Arab-led parties won a record 19 of the 120 seats in Israel’s parliament in the Oct. 27 election, giving them considerable influence over the government formation process. The joint list has 11 seats, while Ra’am led by Mansour Abbas has eight.
Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, but his right-wing and religious bloc initially secured only 53 seats, short of the 61 needed for a parliamentary majority.
Meanwhile, Eisenkot’s opposition bloc has 48 seats.
Why has Netanyahu’s position weakened?
The defeat for Netanyahu came on Thursday when United Torah Judaism, an ultra-Orthodox party that has traditionally supported him, refused to recommend any candidate for prime minister during a meeting with Herzog.
The party, which has seven seats in the Knesset, said it would not support either Netanyahu or Eisenkot. His decision reportedly stems from frustration over the failure to pass legislation protecting exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox students.
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With the UTJ refusing support, Netanyahu’s recommendations dropped from 53 to 46 lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Eisenkot received support from opposition parties and the Arab-led Ra’am alliance. Together with the seats of the Joint List, his possible support could increase to 67 legislators, which would give him a clear advantage in presidential consultations.
What is the significance of Arab parties supporting Eisenkot?
The electoral gains of Arab-led parties have made them important players in Israel’s political scene.
Their record 19 seats could help Eisenkot secure the parliamentary numbers needed to replace Netanyahu. However, their support does not automatically guarantee their participation in the coalition led by Eisenkot.
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Some of Eisenkot’s potential partners, notably Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu, have expressed opposition to a government dependent on Arab parties.
Netanyahu has also repeatedly criticized the opposition for relying on Arab lawmakers to form a government
What’s next in Israel?
The next crucial step rests on President Isaac Herzog, who must decide which lawmaker has the best chance of forming a functioning Israeli government.
The presidential consultations are expected to end on Thursday, with representatives of the two largest parties, Eisenkot’s Yashar and Netanyahu’s Likud, scheduled to meet Herzog at the end of the process.
Although the number of endorsements is an important factor, Herzog is not required by law to name the candidate with the most endorsements. They must assess who is best suited to form a coalition government.
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Under Israeli law, the lawmaker chosen by Herzog will have 28 days to form a government. The Israeli president can grant an extension of up to 14 additional days, bringing the total time to 42 days.
If the candidate fails, Herzog can give another lawmaker the chance to form a government. If subsequent attempts also fail, the process could eventually lead to the dissolution of parliament and the calling of new elections.
Is Netanyahu Gone as Israeli Prime Minister?
Not yet. Despite Eisenkot’s growing advantage, Netanyahu remains Israel’s prime minister in an interim capacity until a new government is formed.
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Eisenkot’s immediate task will be to turn the recommendations he secured into a working coalition. Opposition in his camp against relying on Arab parties could complicate negotiations, even if Herzog gives him the first chance to form a government.
For Netanyahu, the loss of support from the UTJ represents a massive political setback. However, the final outcome will depend on Herzog’s decision and whether any of the candidates can secure the support of at least 61 lawmakers.
