Israeli election: Arab parties gain influence as vote deadlock persists

Schoolteacher Ranya Farhat, who cast her first ballot this week, expressed concerns about the rising anti-Arab sentiment fueled by extremist cabinet members. She stated, “Voting serves as a demand for full equality in citizenship…”

In Tarabin, a Bedouin village in the Negev Desert, traditionally a stronghold for Netanyahu’s Likud party, turnout nearly doubled, securing a victory for the United Arab List. Many communities in the Negev lack government recognition and face significant economic isolation.

Amnon Be’eri-Sulitzeanu, co-executive director of the Abraham Initiatives, was surprised by the high turnout, particularly among first-time voters and women. He described it as a “democratic achievement” and a “clear sign of eagerness for civic and political engagement.”

With the election resulting in neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor that of former military chief Gadi Eisenkot securing a majority, the Arab parties, holding a record 19 seats in the Knesset, now possess considerable leverage. Amir Badran, a member of the Hadash party, called the situation “political checkmate,” noting that neither bloc can form a government without Arab votes. He voiced concern about potential backlash, stating, “The racism reached a point that Arab minorities can clearly see the day coming… where Arabs do not have the right to vote.”

Despite past reservations about collaborating with Jewish-Israeli parties, the Arab parties are exploring options to help oust Netanyahu. The United Arab List even recruited Yoav Segalovitz, a Jewish Zionist, as a candidate. Joint List leaders Yousef Jabareen and Ahmad Tibi have expressed a willingness to work with the opposition.

Following the election, Netanyahu’s camp accused Arab voters of “stealing” the election and attempted to suppress turnout with AI-generated content. Mansour Abbas, head of the UAL, welcomed an investigation into the election’s integrity. Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of manipulating public opinion and undermining the legitimacy of the Knesset.

The anti-Arab sentiments are rooted in decades of hostility and racism faced by many Arab-Israeli citizens, who are largely descendants of families who remained in Israel after 1948. They often cite disparities in municipal funding, crime rates, education, and economic opportunities compared to their Jewish counterparts.

Aram Hosen Kewan, from Umm al-Fahm, emphasized that many voters were motivated by concerns specific to Arab Israelis, rather than solely focused on the situation in Gaza. He stated, “The space to be Palestinian in Israel is always shrinking.”

Amnon Be’eri-Sulitzeanu cautioned that the government’s reaction to the high Arab turnout could discourage future participation. He warned, “If their extended hand is not met with a [gesture] from the bloc… then next time I’m afraid they will not vote in such numbers.”