The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Sunday that the United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, intends to support a government formed by Yesh Atid leader Gadi Eisenkot, even if no formal coalition agreement is reached. This stance follows Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s assignment on Saturday evening to Eisenkot to form the new government, amid the refusal of major parties in his camp to form a government with Arab parties.
The newspaper quoted a source in the "United List" as saying: "Our party, which includes 8 Knesset members, will support Gadi Eisenkot’s government, even if no coalition agreement is signed." It clarified that the list seeks to avoid the risks associated with Eisenkot’s camp relying on the support of the Haredi party Yehudut HaTorah, amid fears of an escalating campaign to delegitimize the Arab voice.
For its part, Haaretz reported that the "Joint List," which holds 11 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, will not vote in favor of Eisenkot’s government without an agreement, but it will not work to topple it. Eisenkot’s efforts face significant challenges, given the refusal of major parties in his camp to include Arab parties, leaving him with the option of securing a parliamentary majority or forming a minority government based on external support.
The newspaper noted that both Arab lists are preparing for a week full of political developments and see it as necessary to move forward with any formula that could change the government of Benjamin Netanyahu and keep the leaders of the Religious Zionism party, Bezalel Smotrich, and the Jewish Power party, Itamar Ben Gvir, away from positions of power. Under Israeli law, the designated Knesset member is given a 28-day deadline, which the President can extend by no more than 14 additional days.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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