United Torah Judaism backs neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot

United Torah Judaism told Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday that it would recommend neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government, withholding support from its longtime political ally as the president consults parties after an inconclusive election. The party holds seven seats in the 120-member Knesset. Its decision does not endorse Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival, and leaves Herzog to decide which lawmaker should receive the first opportunity to negotiate a governing coalition. Herzog was due to meet both men on Thursday and has until November 11 to make his choice. Neither camp has the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. Reports put Netanyahu’s broader bloc at 53 seats and Eisenkot’s at 48, while Arab parties hold 19. Those totals describe political groupings, but do not establish that either candidate can assemble a government. Coalition options and party recommendations remain central to the negotiations. United Torah Judaism has supported Netanyahu through five previous elections. Its lawmakers have also identified the status of Torah students as a priority for any next government. Isaac Pindrus, a lawmaker from the party,...