Eisenkot Expected to Secure 67 Endorsements After Joint List Backing
Gadi Eisenkot is expected to secure 67 endorsements for prime minister against Netanyahu’s 46 after the Joint List backed him, Ynet reported.
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Yashar! leader Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief, is projected to finish with 67 lawmakers’ backing. Ynet reported the tally for the 120-seat Knesset.
Netanyahu’s Likud is seeking to retain power despite the election results. President Isaac Herzog is holding consultations with the newly elected factions.
He will then decide who gets the mandate to form a government. The meetings began Wednesday and were due to wrap Thursday evening.
Joint List Backs Eisenkot
The Arab Joint List said it would recommend Eisenkot, bringing him to 67 endorsements. Ra’am, the Democrats and Beyachad had already backed him.
Yisrael Beytenu also endorsed Eisenkot. United Torah Judaism declined to endorse either candidate.
Otzma Yehudit and Likud backed Netanyahu, along with Shas, Zehut and the Religious Zionist Party. That left Netanyahu on course for 46 endorsements.
Endorsements Are Not a Majority
Herzog does not automatically assign the mandate to whoever wins the most recommendations. He must assess who is most likely to secure a parliamentary majority.
A governing coalition generally needs at least 61 seats. Eisenkot’s endorsement lead does not guarantee that majority, leaving coalition talks uncertain.
Netanyahu has rejected relying on Arab parties. Either candidate still faces hard bargaining after Herzog chooses.
Kamer Kurunç
Kamer Kurunç is the Team Leader of Clash Report and has led the outlet for four years. He oversees its breaking world news coverage, from the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war to defense and global politics. His focus is fast, verified, source-based reporting. Follow him on X at @kamerknc.
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