Arab Parties May Hold Balance of Power in Israeli Election
Arab Israelis urge turnout to influence outcome, while Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank seek to end Netanyahu's rule.
Key facts
- Arab Israelis make up about one-fifth of Israel's population.
- Polls show Arab parties could hold a critical balance of power in the upcoming election.
- Gadi Eisenkot's Change Bloc has ruled out forming a coalition with Arab parties.
- Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank want to end Netanyahu's right‑wing government.
- The election is scheduled for next week.
The next week’s general election in Israel is described as closely fought. Students in Nazareth are handing out leaflets urging Arab Israelis to vote. Polls indicate that neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the Change Bloc has a clear path to a parliamentary majority.
Arab Israelis often describe themselves as Palestinian citizens of Israel. In past elections, disaffection has lowered turnout among this group. This election sees a strong push to remove the right‑wing coalition that includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
If anti‑Netanyahu parties need a majority, they may have to work with Arab parties. Gadi Eisenkot has said his party will not form a government with Arab parties, citing a lack of shared values.
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank say Netanyahu’s government has made life close to unbearable. They hope the election will oust him.
The Hamas‑led assault on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza have increased mistrust toward Israel’s Arab minority. Civil society groups report discrimination and budget cuts targeting Arab communities.
Context
Israel’s politics were reshaped by the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 and the war in Gaza. The attack increased mistrust toward the Arab minority.
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