Netanyahu ally refuses support, eisenkot gains ground

On Thursday (November 5), the party announced that it would not recommend Netanyahu to form the new government. This has increased opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's chances of getting the opportunity to form a government.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is holding talks with political parties for the second consecutive day following the October 27 election. Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot secured the majority needed to form a government. Netanyahu, a right-wing leader who has led Israel through three years of war, is known as a highly controversial political figure in the country.

The ultra-Orthodox Jewish party United Torah Judaism supported Netanyahu in the previous five elections. However, during its meeting with the president this time, the party did not recommend Netanyahu to form the new government. At the same time, it did not support opposition leader Eisenkot either.

Meanwhile, former army chief Eisenkot is trying to form a government by bringing together centrist and centre-right parties. He remains firm on ending exemptions from compulsory military service for religious students.

Observers believe that United Torah Judaism's position is aimed at putting pressure on Netanyahu and making it clear that he cannot take their support for granted. However, if Netanyahu succeeds in forming a government, the party may still join it.

Later on Thursday, President Herzog will meet representatives of the major political parties. After that, he will assign a lawmaker to form the government. The president usually makes this decision by considering which leader has received support from the largest number of political parties. Accordingly, Eisenkot has a higher chance of receiving the responsibility

After receiving the mandate to form the government, the concerned lawmaker will have 28 days. If necessary, the period may be extended by another 14 days. If the lawmaker fails to form a government within this time, the president will assign the responsibility to someone else.

In the new parliament, Netanyahu's bloc has 53 seats, including those held by United Torah Judaism. Meanwhile, Eisenkot's bloc has won 48 seats.
The number of seats held by Israel's Arab parties has increased to 19. Eisenkot can form a government with their support if he wishes. However, doing so risks losing some supporters from the opposition bloc.

Source: The Times of Israel

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