Netanyahu and Eisenkot vie for coalition as Arab parties back opposition

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 16:28 · Archive

Arab parties backing opposition leader Eisenkot could help oust Prime Minister Netanyahu from government.

Israel's Arab parties, which won a record 19 seats in recent elections, are backing opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc in coalition negotiations, potentially preventing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from forming the next government. Netanyahu's coalition of conservative and far-right parties holds 53 of the 120 Knesset seats, whilst Eisenkot's opposition bloc won 48 seats.

The opposition 'Change' bloc has pledged not to join Netanyahu, citing security failures that led to the October 7 Hamas attacks and an ongoing corruption trial the prime minister faces. With Arab party support, either as part of a ruling coalition or outside backing, Eisenkot could reach the 61 seats needed for a majority and avoid another election.

However, accepting Arab support poses challenges for Eisenkot from the right, particularly given that leaders and parties, including Netanyahu, have deployed anti-Arab racism to appeal to Jewish voters during campaigning. Israel's minority Arab population has been marginalised in politics and sidelined further since October 7, with at least three legislators arrested for comments or actions deemed critical of Israel's military operations. As coalition negotiations continue, analysts suggest parties will likely need to make compromises and break promises made to their supporters.

How it is being reported

• Israel's president begins process of coalition government negotiationsIsrael's President Isaac Herzog begins the process of coalition government negotiations this week. One possibility is for the centrist opposition bloc to form a government with the Arab parties, which would oust current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protests for and against such a coalition this weekend made it clear the Israeli public is divided over the idea.France 24 · 2 Nov, 15:57
• Arab parties back Eisenkot: What’s the latest in Israel’s coalition talks?Political wrangling is still ongoing as all blocs weigh potential paths to power.Al Jazeera · 2 Nov, 15:00
• Jerusalem Daily: Who will form Israel’s next government?Netanyahu and Eisenkot are locked in a struggle to form a governing coalition in the Knesset.Al Jazeera · 31 Oct, 17:29

In this story: Benjamin Netanyahu · Gadi Eisenkot · Isaac Herzog · Israel · Knesset

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