Arab alliance backs Eisenkot for prime minister to replace Netanyahu

Israel's Arab Joint List alliance has endorsed Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister, boosting his parliamentary backing to 67 lawmakers and surpassing the 61-seat threshold needed to form a government, in a bid to oust incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu. The Joint List, which won 11 seats in the October 27 elections, said its unanimous decision among three constituent parties reflects public demands to prevent Netanyahu's return to power. A delegation will formally present its recommendation to President Isaac Herzog, though not all endorsing parties are expected to join Eisenkot's coalition. The alliance, representing Israel's Arab minority and led by Yousef Jabareen, includes Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad. Ultra-Orthodox parties holding six seats have withdrawn support for Netanyahu without endorsing Eisenkot.