Israeli Arab parties back Eisenkot to lead next government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will announce Sunday who will be tasked with forming the next government, with centrist Gadi Eisenkot holding a strong position due to Arab party support against outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the October 27 legislative elections that produced no absolute majority, Herzog held consultations with political factions this week. Herzog stated Thursday he intends to charge a Knesset member with forming the government, noting Netanyahu received backing from 46 lawmakers versus 67 for his rival, with 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. Eisenkot has secured support from Israel's two main Arab parties, which made significant electoral gains. The Unified List and Raam parties said their decision responds to the "popular demand to prevent Netanyahu and his government from returning to power," aligning with their joint statement on the matter.