Israel president to name government formateur on Sunday

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced he will name a candidate to form a new government on Sunday, following post-election consultations with party leaders. He noted 46 lawmakers recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while 67 backed opponent Gadi Eisenkot. The Joint List, Israel's largest Arab party grouping with 11 seats, endorsed Eisenkot on Thursday, joining the eight-seat United Arab List. These endorsements give the centrist Yashar party leader support from factions holding a majority in the 120-member Knesset, aiming to prevent Netanyahu's return to power. Arab-majority lists won a record 19 parliamentary seats in the Oct. 27 election, making them potential kingmakers. The vote produced no clear winner, with Netanyahu's bloc securing 53 seats and Eisenkot's bloc winning 48, as Herzog warned parties that not all promises can be fulfilled to avoid a new election.