The Joint List stated on Thursday that it would formally inform President Isaac Herzog of its decision to recommend Gadi Eisenkot during government formation consultations. Eisenkot leads the Yashar party.
“We have decided to endorse Gadi Eisenkot,” the Joint List said. The alliance reached the decision unanimously following internal consultations among its member parties.
“It was not an easy decision,” the statement added.
“Despite our determination to oust Netanyahu, the opposition camp led by Eisenkot has yet to demonstrate the necessary willingness to confront Netanyahu’s policies, combat incitement against Arab citizens, and challenge efforts to undermine the legitimacy of their political choices,” the Joint List stated.
The coalition features 11 lawmakers. Once they formally submit their endorsement, Eisenkot is expected to secure the backing of 67 politicians in total, which exceeds the 61-seat majority threshold required in the Knesset.
The general elections held on October 27 left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc with 53 seats in parliament. Jewish opposition parties secured 48 seats in the vote, while Arab-led parties collected a total of 19.
Ra’am, which holds eight seats in the legislature, had previously declared its support for Eisenkot.
Official recommendations do not formally establish a governing coalition on their own. However, President Herzog takes them into account when deciding which politician receives the mandate to form a government.
Opposition factions have agreed to coordinate their efforts regarding a new administration and to commence negotiations concerning policy guidelines and coalition agreements.
