Israel’s Eisenkot set to secure 67 recommendations after Arab Joint List announces support

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is set to receive recommendations from 67 lawmakers, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, after the Arab Joint List announced Thursday that it would back him to form the next government, according to Ynet, Anadolu reports.

The Joint List said it would formally inform President Isaac Herzog later Thursday of its decision to recommend Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, during consultations on who should be tasked with forming a government.

“We have decided to endorse Gadi Eisenkot,” the Joint List said.

“We reached this decision unanimously, following consultations among the parties that make up the Joint List. It was not an easy decision,” it added.

“Despite our determination to oust Netanyahu, the opposition camp led by Eisenkot has yet to demonstrate the necessary willingness to confront Netanyahu’s policies, combat incitement against Arab citizens, and challenge efforts to undermine the legitimacy of their political choices,” the Joint List stated.

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Once the Joint List’s 11 lawmakers formally submit their recommendation, Eisenkot is expected to have the backing of 67 lawmakers, exceeding the 61-seat majority threshold in the Knesset.

The Oct. 27 elections left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc with 53 seats, while Jewish opposition parties secured 48 and Arab-led parties won 19.

Ra’am, which holds eight seats, had already announced its support for Eisenkot.

During Ra’am’s consultations at the Israeli president’s residence, party leader Mansour Abbas said: “Arab society, myself on an individual level, and Arab citizens — we are a bridge.”

“Let us not destroy this bridge.”

The recommendations do not themselves constitute a governing coalition but are considered by Herzog when deciding which lawmaker to task with forming a government.

Opposition parties have also agreed to coordinate efforts to form a new government and begin negotiations on policy guidelines and coalition agreements.

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