Joint List Backs Eisenkot for PM, Aims to Block Netanyahu

The Joint List announced Thursday it would recommend Gadi Eisenkot as the candidate to form the next government to President Isaac Herzog. The decision, made unanimously after internal consultations, comes in response to broad public support and a public demand to prevent the return of Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to power. The party stated its commitment to taking all possible steps to achieve this goal.

Despite their determination to oust Netanyahu, the Joint List expressed reservations about the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot, noting a lack of sufficient readiness to confront Netanyahu's methods and to combat incitement against Arab citizens and the undermining of their political legitimacy. The party emphasized that while Eisenkot has more recommendations than Netanyahu, they see importance in widening this gap to strengthen the chances of replacing the government.

The Joint List also highlighted concerns that a wider gap would reduce the possibility of various attempts to form a national unity government that would keep Netanyahu in power, an outcome they believe Netanyahu is pursuing with the support of influential Israeli, regional, and international actors.

A delegation from the Joint List, including Yousef Jabareen, Ahmad Tibi, Bachar Atzma, Ofer Cassif, and Maha Karaki-Sabach, was scheduled to arrive at the President's Residence at 4:40 PM on Thursday. The party's announcement follows consultations with other factions, including Yahadut HaTorah and Otzma Yehudit, as the president continues his meetings with party representatives to determine who will receive the mandate to form a government.