-Former military chief has a few pathways to power
-Eisenkot has 28 days to try to form government with potential for 14-day extension
-He is son of Moroccan immigrants
Nov 7 (Reuters) - Israel's president on Saturday chose Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strongest rival, to try to form a new government following a deadlocked election that left neither man with a clear path to power.
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, is fighting to stay in office after his religious-nationalist coalition lost its majority in an October 27 election but still emerged as the largest bloc in parliament.
Eisenkot, a former military chief, has declined to join forces with Arab parties, with whose support he would have a majority of seats in parliament. But Arab leaders, incensed by what they view as the racist policies of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, still nominated Eisenkot to try to form a government first — giving him the most endorsements.
"President Herzog has invited Gadi Eisenkot to the President’s Residence, where he will be tasked with forming the government tomorrow," said the spokesperson of President Isaac Herzog, whose largely ceremonial role involves nominating a candidate to form a coalition after elections.
I know of at least 10 Arabic Jews that voted Ra'am. I also know of at least 50 or so Muslim Arab Israelis that definitely do not identify as Palestinian. In the urban centres deeper in Israel (around Tel Aviv) its a bit more common. I also know some Ashkenazi Jews who identify as Palestinian, though most of them were forced to leave (despite one family having lived near Ramallah since at least the 1850s).
As for the Druze I tend to agree with your sentiment... Its still that way for Jews in many countries too unfortunately. Personally I dont think religion should play any part in politics (up to religions effecting other people). Too bad it so often does.