Israel's Change Bloc backs Eisenkot for emergency government mandate

Israel's Change Bloc has announced it will push for Gadi Eisenkot to receive the mandate to form an emergency government, following the first post-election meeting. The decision now passes to President Isaac Herzog. Eisenkot appears favored with 48 parliamentary recommendations versus 46 for Benjamin Netanyahu. The Arab parties' choice, holding 19 seats, remains decisive, while the ultra-Orthodox United Judaism party's 6 seats are uncertain. The bloc faces internal disputes over the Knesset presidency and coalition principles. Netanyahu has reiterated his call for a national unity government under his leadership. Analysts suggest a Republican loss in the US Congress could hasten renewed intensive war against Tehran, while reports indicate a US-Israel agreement to end American aid by year's end.