Israeli Opposition Backs Ex-General Eisenkot to Replace Netanyahu

Israel's opposition leaders have agreed to back former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister, aiming to replace Benjamin Netanyahu's government swiftly. The five party heads met Tuesday in Herzliya, their first joint meeting since the October 27 election left no bloc with a Knesset majority. The bloc remains divided over allying with Arab-led parties, whose 19 seats could prove decisive for a 61-seat majority. Leaders endorsed four principles, including recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and labeling Hamas a terrorist group, conditions that may exclude some Arab parties. Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, the opposition 48, with Arab parties holding the balance. President Isaac Herzog begins consultations Wednesday. Netanyahu, on trial for corruption and wanted by the ICC, has ruled out Arab-majority coalitions.