Joint List Considers Backing Eizenkot for PM, Demands Concessions

The Joint List is considering recommending Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, to form the next Israeli government, according to political analyst Nadav Elemelich of Israel's Channel 12. Sources within the Joint List indicated that any such recommendation "will not be for free," implying significant demands.

These expected demands are likely to include parliamentary and budgetary concessions. A notable additional condition is that Gantz should not task Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman with forming the government, a move reportedly made by Yair Lapid in the past when he "passed the mandate." This suggests the Joint List wants to prevent a situation where the mandate to form a government is given to parties they oppose.

The article also touches upon the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify the Joint List from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. However, it is widely expected that the Supreme Court will intervene and allow the party to participate, despite the committee's ruling. This legal challenge is a separate but concurrent issue for the party.