With Arab Parties' Support, Gadi Eisenkot Secures Edge Over Netanyahu In Israel PM Race

Tel Aviv, Israel: Israel’s Central Elections Committee recently certified the results of the October 27 election, ruling out the fraud allegations raised by incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

With opposition leader and former military leader Gadi Eisenkot securing the backing of 67 faction representatives, he is all set to serve in the 26th Knesset, compared with 46 who supported Netanyahu.

Read Also: Israeli PM Netanyahu Claims Election Bribery, Accuses Arab Parties Of Fraud

President Isaac Herzog said he would announce on Sunday whom he would invite to form the next government after consulting all party leaders. In the recent election to the  120-seat Knesset, neither the ruling party or the opposition gained the majority to form the government, leaving Arab parties who secured 19 seats the leverage to decide the final outcome.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48. A party need 61 seats to form the government. With the Arab parties backing the opposition Eisenkot, the tally has strengthened his position in the race to become Israel’s next prime minister.

Read Also: Israel Election Results: Exit Polls Show Netanyahu And Eisenkot Tied In Tense Standoff