Kochi: In a setback to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Arab-led party has backed Gadi Eisenkot to form the government while Netanyahu’s political ally ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) decided to remain neutral.
Eisenkot seems to be confident ahead of the Israeli president Isaac Herzog nearing to take the crucial decision to invite a leader to form the government amidst the inconclusive October 27 election, Times of India reported. The president is empowered to nominate a lawmaker found suitable to form a government and not the leader of the party with most seats. Netanyahu’s Likud is the single largest party with 27 seats in the 120-member Knesset while nationalist-religious bloc secured only 53 seats. Eisenkot’s alliance comprising four Jewish-led parties, which have won 48 seats, is backed by the two Arab-led parties with 19 seats. UTJ’s decision to withhold its recommendation marks a rift with Netanyahu. The disagreement stems from Netanyahu’s failure to pass legislation guaranteeing military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men studying in religious seminaries, a longstanding demand of the community. The party had reportedly considered supporting a minority government led by Eisenkot without formally joining it. The Arab-led Ra’am party is supporting Eisenkot. The other Arab-led faction, the Joint List, has announced its decision. Eisenkot’s front has ruled out working with Netanyahu. Netanyahu will remain prime minister in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.
Eisenkot may be PM
