Israeli Arab Parties Endorse Eisenkot, Threatening Netanyahu’s Path to Power
Israel's Arab parties pledge support for Gadi Eisenkot, creating a 67-seat majority that could sideline Benjamin Netanyahu in coalition talks.
POLICY WIRE — Herzliya, Israel — The political landscape in Israel has shifted dramatically as the nation’s Arab parties signaled their intent to support opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot in coalition negotiations.
Following a record-breaking 19-seat performance in last week’s general elections, these Arab factions are moving to back Eisenkot’s bloc, significantly undermining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hopes of remaining in power.
While the primary Jewish opposition coalition comprised of four parties secured only 48 seats, it failed to reach the 61-seat threshold required for a majority in the Knesset.
The inclusion of the Arab parties would provide Eisenkot with a robust majority of 67 seats, though the prospect remains highly controversial among various segments of the Israeli public.
According to reports on November 1, the Arab political groups plan to formally recommend Eisenkot for prime ministry during their upcoming consultations with President Isaac Herzog.
The potential alliance has already sparked significant friction, with demonstrators gathering outside the home of Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot in Herzliya to protest the possibility of a Jewish-Arab government.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
