Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot needs support beyond his opposition bloc to form Israel’s next government, with possible backing from Arab-led parties contested inside his camp.
Based on the Associated Press’ grouping, Eisenkot’s 48-seat camp is 13 short of the 61 needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc has 53 seats in that breakdown, while Arab-led parties account for 19. The AP said those parties could help Eisenkot assemble a majority, although some potential partners in his camp oppose cooperation.
President Isaac Herzog assigned Eisenkot the task on Nov. 8 after consulting faction delegations, the President’s Residence said. Their recommendations guided Herzog’s choice of whom to task; they did not amount to a confidence vote on a future government. Israel’s Basic Law: The Government gives Eisenkot 28 days to form one, with Herzog able to grant up to 14 additional days. Netanyahu remains prime minister until a successor government is formed.
The Associated Press reported that Eisenkot wants coalition partners to support military, national or civil service and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization. Ultra-Orthodox parties seek to retain military-service exemptions, the AP reported. The outlet also noted that Ra’am was the only Arab party to join an Israeli governing coalition, in 2021.
Incoming Knesset members are scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday, Nov. 10, the AP reported.
