Key facts
- Arab parties in Israel nearly doubled their seats from 10 to 19.
- Netanyahu urged right-wing supporters to vote using race-based messaging.
- The election failed to deliver a decisive blow to Netanyahu.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the election was stolen after failing to secure a decisive victory. Record turnout from Arab voters, reflecting anger over his policies toward the Palestinian population, nearly doubled their parliamentary seats from 10 to 19, potentially giving them leverage over the future government. Netanyahu made social media posts urging right-wing supporters to vote, using race-based messaging and warning of the Muslim Brotherhood taking control if Likud voters did not turn out. The election underscored deep divisions within Israel over Netanyahu's grip on power. The outcome could serve as a preview of potential voter frustrations with the U.S.-Israel war on Iran ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.