For decades, Israel’s Arab parties have been marginalized. Benjamin Netanyahu warned Arabs were "trying to steal the election" to galvanize his base, while rival Gadi Eisenkot declined to commit to partnering with them.
Record Arab turnout delivered the largest vote totals in generations, potentially 19 seats combined for Raam and the Joint List (up from 10). The Arab minority is now a political reality. Eisenkot needs their support to reach a 61-seat majority in the 120-seat Parliament; Netanyahu’s alliance also falls short.
Many Israeli Jews oppose relying on Arab parties, citing Jewish exclusivity or security concerns, especially after Oct. 7. Arab parties condemned the Hamas assault but criticize Israel’s Gaza war. Raam downplays Palestinian statehood; the Joint List is more antagonistic toward Zionism and appears larger.
Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen says Netanyahu incites against them because they’re key to unseating him. He urges Eisenkot to cooperate. Analysts suggest the Joint List may support Eisenkot from outside the coalition, as Yitzhak Rabin did in the 1990s.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing