# Israel’s main Arab list backs Eisenkot to form government after election

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/israels-main-arab-list-backs-eisenkot-to-form-government-after-election/
- Published: 2026-11-05T17:16:44+00:00
- Original publisher: France 24 (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261105-israel-main-arab-list-backs-eisenkot-to-form-government-after-election
- Topics: Elections, Government, Middle East, Politics, World

## Key points

- Both Arab-majority lists back Eisenkot.
- Their 19 seats could strengthen his bid.
- Netanyahu’s bloc has 53 seats; Eisenkot’s has 48.

## Summary

Both of Israel’s Arab-majority lists have now backed Gadi Eisenkot to form a government, strengthening his position as President Isaac Herzog consults parties after an inconclusive election. The move could help Eisenkot challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose position has weakened after an ultra-Orthodox ally declined to recommend him.

The Joint List has 11 seats and Raam eight, giving the two lists 19 seats combined; whether Eisenkot’s opposition allies will work with them remains uncertain. Netanyahu’s bloc has 53 seats and Eisenkot’s 48, while Herzog is free to choose whom to give the mandate. The chosen lawmaker will have 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. A key dispute is whether religious students should remain exempt from military service.

## Coverage

- [France 24: Israel’s main Arab list backs Eisenkot to form government after election](https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261105-israel-main-arab-list-backs-eisenkot-to-form-government-after-election)
- [Middle East Eye: Arab-led Joint List says it will back Eisenkot to form Israel's next government](https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/arab-led-joint-list-says-it-will-back-eisenkot-form-israels-next)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.