Arab parties back Eisenkot as Israel's coalition talks begin

Israel's Arab parties, winners of a record 19 seats, have pledged to support opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot in the coalition talks now underway.

• The Joint List and Ra'am said they will cooperate with Eisenkot's bloc to remove Netanyahu from power.
• Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman said he will recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog and will not join a Netanyahu-led government.
• Netanyahu said he will not retire if he fails to form a coalition and will stay on as opposition leader.
• Election results will be certified Wednesday, after which Herzog will consult party leaders on naming a prime minister candidate.