Arab List to Back Eisenkot for PM, Challenging Netanyahu

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has a significant chance of becoming prime minister, potentially surpassing Benjamin Netanyahu. The United Arab List announced its intention to recommend Eisenkot to President Yitzhak Herzog for the position of prime minister. This announcement came on Thursday, November 5, during the second day of consultations at the presidential residence with parliamentary factions, as reported by the Ynet news portal. If successful, Eisenkot could secure the support of 67 Knesset members, while Netanyahu, after endorsement from Likud, would have the backing of 46 parliamentarians.

The United Arab List stated its decision was driven by a public demand to prevent Netanyahu's return to power and a commitment to take all possible steps to achieve this. The party acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that despite their resolve to oust Netanyahu, the opposition camp led by Eisenkot has not yet demonstrated sufficient readiness to counter Netanyahu's methods, combat the persecution of Arab citizens, or resist the undermining of their political choices. This statement was made after unanimous agreement among the parties comprising the list.

Consultations on November 4 saw Netanyahu recommended by the Religious Zionism, Zehut, and Shas parties, while Eisenkot received a recommendation from Yisrael Beiteinu (NDI). On November 5, the "Jewish Power" and Likud parties joined those supporting Netanyahu. Eisenkot gained further support from Ra'am, Democrats, Be-Yahad, and Yashar. The United Torah Judaism party opted not to recommend any candidate, citing alleged "stolen elections," while the Democrats called for a government of national emergency. Earlier reports indicated that potential coalition talks between United Torah Judaism and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar movement raised fundamental questions.