Eisenkot backed by Knesset majority but president undecided

· Politics · Israel

Gadi Eisenkot, the main rival to Benjamin Netanyahu, secured endorsements on Thursday from a majority of lawmakers to try to form a government, but Israel's president said it was still unclear who could break the election deadlock and pledged to nominate a candidate on Sunday. Eisenkot was backed by 67 lawmakers, including the Arab-majority Ra'am party and the Democrats. Arab-majority lists won a record 19 seats in last week's election, and Netanyahu lost the support of an allied ultra-Orthodox religious party. President Isaac Herzog accepted the election results and took the first steps toward building a new government.

Why it matters：Israel's deadlock and the Arab parties' record influence will determine whether Netanyahu returns to power or a new coalition reshapes the region's politics.

Key points

  • Eisenkot won endorsements from 67 lawmakers.
  • Arab-majority lists won a record 19 seats.
  • Herzog will nominate a candidate on Sunday.

Sources (original reporting)

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