Israeli election results could give Arab parties kingmaker role

Israel’s latest election has seen opposition parties gain seats, putting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hold on power in doubt.

With counting still under way, the “change bloc” led by General Gadi Eisenkot appears poised to form a government with the backing of Arab parties, which together hold an expected 19 seats in the 120‑member Knesset.

Arab citizens, who make up about one‑fifth of Israel’s population, are predicted to secure 16 seats, according to journalist Paul Kearns on Newstalk Breakfast. He noted the high Palestinian turnout and asked whether the opposition fears a coalition that includes Palestinians or simply despises Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s Likud party is likely to remain the largest single party, with the pro‑Netanyahu bloc forecast at 54 seats, while the Eisenkot bloc is expected to win 47. Netanyahu told supporters the right‑wing bloc has a decisive majority among the Zionist public, while Eisenkot claimed the public has chosen change.

The election follows a period of political instability, with five elections held between 2019 and 2022, and raises questions about whether another vote may be required.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Markus Winkler / Pexels.