Arab Parties Offer Conditional Backing to Eisenkot, Narrowing Netanyahu's Path

A week after Israel's October 27 election, no government has been formed, with caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc winning 53 seats, rival Gadi Eisenkot's 48, and Arab parties 19, leaving neither side with a majority. Arab parties have offered conditional support to Eisenkot, potentially blocking Netanyahu's path. Netanyahu has ruled out partnering with them, calling them terrorist supporters, while Eisenkot has refused to join Netanyahu. The Arab parties' demands include the Internal Security Ministry, though their exact role in a government remains unclear. This is Israel's first election since the 2023 Gaza offensive, which saw record Arab voter turnout. Arab parties comprise about one-fifth of Israel's population, and any coalition with them could face significant opposition from the Jewish majority.