Eisenkot Wins Backing for Government Bid
The Joint List pledges support, bringing the opposition leader to 67 Knesset seats in a pivotal vote.
By Jenna Mitchell ·
Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot now commands the support of 67 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset. This total follows a Thursday announcement by the Arab-led Joint List, which agreed to back Eisenkot in his effort to form a new government. The move complicates Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid to retain his position.
The Joint List’s decision arrived one day after the Ra’am party pledged its eight seats to Eisenkot. Together, these two Arab-led parties secured 19 seats in the general election held on October 27. Their electoral success has positioned them as decisive factors in determining the next government.
In that election, Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc won 53 seats, while the opposition alliance led by Eisenkot secured 48. Because a majority requires 61 seats, neither camp could govern alone. Consequently, the support of smaller factions, particularly the Arab-led parties, has become essential for coalition negotiations.
The Joint List stated that its unanimous decision responds to public demands to prevent Netanyahu’s return to power. The alliance, which comprises three Arab-led factions, said the endorsement aims to widen the gap between Eisenkot and Netanyahu. It also cited incitement against Arab citizens and attempts to undermine the legitimacy of their electoral choices as factors in its deliberations.
The parties noted that their support comes despite the opposition’s failure to sufficiently challenge Netanyahu’s political direction. The Joint List indicated it is prepared to support an opposition government from outside the coalition rather than taking ministerial positions. Its leaders have historically opposed joining a government while Israel continues its occupation of Palestinian territory.
Internal divisions persist within the opposition bloc regarding cooperation with Arab-led parties. Partners must recognize Israel as a Jewish state, support military conscription, and condemn Hamas. Some opposition figures have rejected relying on Arab lawmakers, while others argue their support is necessary to end Netanyahu’s rule. Eisenkot, 66, has repeatedly rejected a Palestinian state and advocated for closer ties with Saudi Arabia to counter Iran during his tenure as army chief from 2015 to 2019.
