Arab parties may hold decisive role in Israel's upcoming election
Israelis are voting in their first legislative election since the October 7 Hamas attacks. Neither Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud nor Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar is expected to secure a Knesset majority. Arab parties could therefore influence the outcome.
The ballot is Israel’s first national legislative vote held after the 7 October Hamas attacks. Likud, the party of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Yashar, led by former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, are competing.
The report does not project either party winning enough Knesset seats for a majority. That could give Arab parties leverage over the final outcome.
If Arab parties end up influencing the next government, their role could affect how the communities they represent see their concerns reflected in policy. It may also shape broader public debate about political inclusion and coalition accountability. Effects on trust among voters would likely depend on post-election negotiations.