Israeli Arab Parties Back Eisenkot, Threatening Netanyahu's Grip on Power

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increased difficulty in retaining power as the Arab Joint List alliance has endorsed Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, giving him support from 67 parliament members. In the 120-seat Knesset, no party won a majority in the election, and Eisenkot has now secured recommendations from more parties than Netanyahu. The Joint List, comprising three Arab factions, said it backs Eisenkot to prevent Netanyahu's return, though it expressed dissatisfaction with opposition efforts against anti-Arab rhetoric. The United Arab List had already backed Eisenkot, but he still needs five more seats to reach the 61 required to form a government. President Isaac Herzog must task a candidate by November 11, though he is not obligated to choose the one with the most recommendations.