Eisenkot is expected to join the Israeli government as negotiations are ongoing

Nov 07 (Jowhar)- The election results that took place in Israel have led President Isaac Herzog to make a significant decision – and that is former military chief Gadi Eisenkot who now appears to be the best candidate to have the first opportunity to form a governing coalition, after a religious party that has long been allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to support him.

Mr. Herzog has been holding consultations with political parties for the second day following the election on October 27, which resulted in a clear parliamentary majority rejecting Mr. Netanyahu – who is from the divided right wing that has led Israel into three years of conflict – and Mr. Eisenkot, who is campaigning on a promise to restore national unity.

Although Mr. Herzog has the power to decide whom to ask to form a new government, the obligation has typically gone to the member of parliament who has been endorsed by most parties – at this stage, indicating Mr. Eisenkot.

The opposition leader has also received support from a prominent member of the Arab minority in Israel, whose parliamentary representative has risen as they are frustrated with Mr. Netanyahu's policies. However, Mr. Eisenkot has not indicated whether he would accept Arab support to form a coalition.

United Torah Judaism, which has stood by Mr. Netanyahu in the last five elections, used its meeting with Mr. Herzog to withdraw that direct support: it refused to recommend Mr. Netanyahu to be prime minister again, while also preventing Mr. Eisenkot from receiving support.