Arab Parties Endorse Eisenkot for PM, But Hamas Stance Creates Coalition Hurdle

Arab political parties have declared their support for former army general Gadi Eisenkot to become Israel's next prime minister. However, a significant disagreement concerning Hamas is now jeopardizing the formation of a coalition government. Mansour Abbas, the leader of the Arab political party Ra’am, advocated for Hamas to be disarmed and removed from power during discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. While condemning terrorism, Abbas stopped short of labeling Hamas a terrorist organization.

President Herzog is currently engaged in consultations with all political factions to determine who will receive the first mandate to assemble an Israeli government following last week's inconclusive elections. The opposition leader, Gadi Eisenkot, has stipulated that any party joining his prospective coalition must identify Hamas as a terrorist organization. This condition places Abbas at odds with Eisenkot.

During his meeting with President Herzog, Abbas expressed a desire for "all armed groups" to relinquish their weapons. When pressed about Hamas's designation, he requested the President to "leave me some room to protect myself and my family, too." This potential impasse threatens the opposition's ability to secure a majority in the Knesset.

With a record turnout from Arab voters in the recent elections and a less favorable outcome for the Jewish opposition, collaboration with Arab parties presents one of the few viable paths for Eisenkot to achieve a majority. Mansour Abbas was previously part of an Israeli coalition in 2021. Ra’am is recognized as the most adaptable Arab-majority party within Israeli politics. Nevertheless, several Israeli politicians, including some within Eisenkot's opposition bloc, have stated their unwillingness to partner with Arab parties.

Despite this reluctance, both Abbas and the Joint List, a more left-leaning Arab party in the Knesset, have indicated their readiness to participate in a coalition. On Thursday, the Joint List announced its intention to nominate Eisenkot for prime minister, following a similar declaration from Ra’am. This widespread recommendation makes it probable that President Herzog will grant Eisenkot the initial opportunity to form a government.

In a development that could hinder Benjamin Netanyahu, the United Torah Judaism party, a key ally and representative of ultra-Orthodox Jewish voters, has opted not to recommend any candidate to form a government. President Herzog was scheduled to meet separately with Eisenkot and Netanyahu on Thursday evening at his Jerusalem residence, concluding the series of party meetings initiated on Wednesday after the official election results were announced. If tasked with forming a government, Eisenkot would have 28 days to do so, with a potential 14-day extension. Should these negotiations prove unsuccessful, the mandate would pass to another politician deemed capable of forming a government by President Herzog.