Arab Parties Back Eisenkot for PM, Giving Him 67 Votes

The United Arab List has officially announced its recommendation of Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, for the position of Prime Minister. This decision was made during the second day of consultations with faction representatives at the President's residence on Thursday, November 5. With this endorsement, Eisenkot is set to receive 67 recommendations, compared to Benjamin Netanyahu's 46.

The United Arab List explained their decision as a response to "broad electoral support" and a commitment to prevent Netanyahu's return to power. In a statement, they noted that the decision was unanimous and made after consultations among the parties within the list. They acknowledged that it was not an easy choice, expressing concern that the opposition, led by Eisenkot, has not yet demonstrated sufficient readiness to counter Netanyahu's methods, combat the persecution of Arab citizens, or challenge the undermining of their political choices.

Consultations began on November 4, with Netanyahu receiving recommendations from Religious Zionism, Zehut, and Shas, while Eisenkot was backed by Yisrael Beiteinu. On November 5, Otzma Yehudit recommended Netanyahu in the morning, followed by the Likud party later. Ra'am and the Democratic Party joined Yisrael Beiteinu in recommending Eisenkot, as did Be-Yahad and Yashar. The representatives of Yahadut HaTorah chose not to recommend anyone, despite pressure from Netanyahu.

Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas urged President Yitzhak Herzog to form a government swiftly, emphasizing that Ra'am is the largest Arab party and that high turnout in the Arab sector was a response to Netanyahu's government actions. Abbas also addressed concerns about foreign interference in elections, stating that his party has twice welcomed investigations into the matter. He asserted confidence in his party, noting they have faced political persecution for four years, primarily from Otzma Yehudit and radical Likud figures.

Yoav Segalovich, a Ra'am MK, joined the party as a "Jewish, Israeli patriot, and Zionist." He criticized the "toxic public discourse" directed by Netanyahu and expressed alarm over alleged interference, citing the Prime Minister's office sharing information with a police commander on election day. President Herzog raised objections from some parties regarding Arab parties, clarifying that the opposition was to non-Zionist parties, not the Arab community. Segalovich countered that statements from the right-wing government are dangerous and that Netanyahu allowed extremists to gain influence.

Discussions also touched upon the formation of a "government of change," with Abbas stating that such a government, even at its worst, was superior to an "entirely right-wing" one in terms of national security and social welfare. When the topic of Hamas arose, Abbas, while avoiding the word "terror," stressed Ra'am's support for Hamas disarmament according to a plan by former US President Donald Trump. He also stated that the party has opposed attacks and should not be "constantly tested for loyalty." Abbas alluded to personal security concerns when asked why he did not unequivocally label Hamas as a terrorist organization, stating, "Leave me this space to build bridges and influence the other side. And leave me the ability to protect myself and my family. In a sense, this is a matter of saving a life."

Following the meeting, Abbas expressed a desire to see religious parties included in a future government. Consultations were scheduled to conclude on the evening of November 5, after which President Herzog would decide whom to task with forming the government, expected between November 6 and November 10.