Key facts
- Arab parties could hold a critical balance of power in Israel's upcoming election.
- Arab Israelis comprise about a fifth of the population.
- Polls suggest neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the 'Change Bloc' has a clear parliamentary majority.
- The Joint Arab List and the United Arab List could win 13 to 14 seats combined.
- Gang crime is a significant issue for Arab Israelis, with a record high number of murders in the previous year.
Students in Nazareth are distributing leaflets to encourage Arab Israelis to vote in the upcoming election, as polls suggest Arab parties could hold a critical balance of power. Arab Israelis, who constitute about a fifth of the population, are being mobilized to vote against the current right-wing coalition, which they describe as discriminatory.
Most polls indicate that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the main 'Change Bloc' led by Gadi Eisenkot has a clear path to a parliamentary majority. This could necessitate a deal with Arab-majority lists to form a government, though Eisenkot has so far ruled this out due to a perceived lack of shared values.
The political landscape has been significantly impacted by the October 7 Hamas-led assault and the subsequent war in Gaza, leading to increased mistrust and hostility towards the Arab minority. Activists accuse ministers of systematic discrimination and incitement, citing budget cuts and politicized campaigns against Arab citizens. The Netanyahu campaign has also employed tactics, including billboards and AI-generated videos, to portray opposition figures as aligning with 'Palestine'.
Analysts describe the refusal of some Jewish parties to work with Arab parties as racism, influenced by political interests. The United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, aims for a position of influence within the government, prioritizing solutions for Arab Israelis. The Joint Arab List seeks influence within the opposition, acting as an 'electoral safety net'. Gang crime remains a critical issue for Arab Israelis, with accusations of government inaction.