Seven parties back Eisenkot for Israeli PM, including Arab Joint List

Israel's Arab Joint List announced it will recommend Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister to President Isaac Herzog, adding to his existing support from 67 lawmakers in the next Knesset, a majority of the body. This backing does not guarantee all supporting parties will join his coalition. The Joint List said its unanimous decision aims to prevent Benjamin Netanyahu's return to power, though it criticized the opposition bloc for insufficiently confronting Netanyahu's path and combating incitement against Arab citizens. The party wants to widen Eisenkot's lead over Netanyahu and reduce chances of a unity government keeping Netanyahu in power. A Joint List delegation is expected to present its recommendation to Herzog later today. The move could strengthen prospects for replacing the current government.