Israeli Arab parties back ex-army chief Eisenkot to form government

Israeli former army chief Gadi Eisenkot's chances of forming the next government rose Thursday after the Joint Arab List announced its support, strengthening his bid against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lost backing from a religious party. President Isaac Herzog continued consultations with political parties for a second day to decide who will be tasked with forming the government, as neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot secured a parliamentary majority in the election. Both candidates need 61 of the Knesset's 120 seats, and Eisenkot received recommendations from both Arab lists, which together won 19 seats. The United Torah Judaism party declined to recommend Netanyahu for another term despite supporting him in five previous elections, with its seven seats now excluded from his bloc. Analysts suggest the party's move may aim to punish Netanyahu while keeping options open, though Eisenkot faces potential coalition challenges if he accepts Arab party support.