The Joint List, described as Israel's largest Arab party grouping, announced on Thursday that it will recommend Gadi Eisenkot be tasked with forming the new government, Naharnet reported. Naharnet described Eisenkot as the leader of the opposition bloc. The recommendation follows last week's election, according to Naharnet.
The Joint List said it would inform President Isaac Herzog of its recommendation on Thursday evening. In a statement quoted by Naharnet, the Joint List said: “The Joint List announced today, Thursday, that it will inform the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, this evening of its decision to recommend that Gadi Eisenkot be tasked with forming the government”.
Naharnet reported that Arab-majority lists won a record 19 of the 120 parliamentary seats in the election, which it said could make them potential kingmakers in forming the next government.
Naharnet reported the announcement on 5 November 2026. The reporting so far rests on a single outlet. Naharnet attributed the announcement to the Joint List.
Several questions remain open. It is not yet known whether Herzog will task Eisenkot with forming the government. It is also not yet known how other parties will recommend to the president. Whether Eisenkot can assemble a governing majority is likewise unknown. The exact election date and the full results are not yet known.