Shea Levin — text status

Israel Beiteinu has officially recommended Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister, joining Ra’am in backing him to form Israel’s next government. However, Israel Beiteinu MK Oded Forer declared at the President’s Residence, “We will not sit with the Arab parties,” reiterating his party’s opposition to joining a coalition with Arab parties. Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism announced that it will not recommend any candidate. Eisenkot currently leads Netanyahu by 11 recommendations to 7, with additional parties still expected to submit their recommendations. Eisenkot is expected to receive more recommendations than Netanyahu regardless of whether Shas backs him, positioning him to receive the mandate from President Herzog to form the next government.