Arab political parties in Israel could emerge as crucial power brokers in the upcoming general election, as opinion polls indicate a tight contest between the country’s main political coalitions. Arab Israelis make up approximately one-fifth of the national population, and campaigners are making a strong push to boost voter participation in an effort to replace the current right-wing governing alliance led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Surveys suggest that neither Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist bloc nor the main opposition Change Bloc, headed by centre-right former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, holds a clear path to a 61-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament. Polls indicate both major groupings could win around 50 seats each, while Arab-majority slates are projected to take a combined total of 13 or 14 seats.
Coalition Challenges and Political Rivalries
Despite the tight margins, forming a coalition presents significant hurdles. Eisenkot has explicitly ruled out partnering with Arab parties in government, citing a divergence in shared values. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s campaign has sought to delegitimise opposition rivals by accusing them of planning to form a coalition with Arab political leaders, using billboards and artificial intelligence videos to reinforce the message.
The election takes place amid heightened social tensions and increased hostility toward the Arab minority following the October 7, 2023 attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. Advocacy groups, including the Mossawa Centre in Nazareth, report growing restrictions on freedom of expression, arbitrary dismissals, and government budget cuts targeting Arab municipalities.
Arab Factions Pursue Influence
Arab representation in the contest is split between two main groupings. The United Arab List, led by Islamist politician Mansour Abbas, advocates joining a future government to address domestic issues. Abbas has placed Yoav Segalovitz, a Jewish former police official and centrist politician, second on his party’s electoral list to foster potential cross-community partnerships. Conversely, the secular Joint Arab List coalition aims to leverage its parliamentary seats by providing a safety net to an opposition government in exchange for policy commitments.
A central concern driving Arab voters to the polls is rampant gang violence and severe crime within their communities. According to data from the Abraham Initiatives, homicides among Arab Israelis reached a record 252 last year. Activists and residents frequently criticize the government for failing to properly investigate and solve these crimes. In a recent legal decision, Israel’s Supreme Court overturned a move by the Central Elections Committee that had attempted to disqualify both Arab slates from running in the election.
Source: BBC News
