Palestinian MP Tıybi: We will support an Eisenkot government

In Israel's parliamentary elections held on November 1, the Joint List led by Yusuf Jabarin and Mansur Abbas's United Arab List (Raam Party) together won 19 seats in the Knesset, placing them in a pivotal position. According to AA, Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition bloc won 53 seats while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48; neither bloc is able to form a government on its own.

Speaking to Channel 12, which broadcasts in Israel, Palestinian-Israeli MP Tıybi said, "We will not be part of the government," adding that he does not want ministerial posts or a cabinet role, but that change cannot happen without the Arab parties.

Tıybi announced that the Joint List would advise President Isaac Herzog to give the mandate to form a government "probably to Gadi Eisenkot." He also stated they would support votes on removing current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana — a key item on the opposition's agenda — and on establishing a state commission of inquiry into October 7.

Tıybi said they would not support any motion of no confidence put forward by Likud and would not initiate a process to dissolve the Knesset, explaining that they had accepted "bitter prescriptions" because change is not possible without the Arab parties. "I call on Eisenkot: be like Rabin, not like Gantz," he said.

Eisenkot had previously stated that when the Knesset convenes on November 10, the priority agenda items would be a commission of inquiry into October 7, mandatory military service legislation covering the ultra-Orthodox, and the cancellation of the judicial reform.