Israeli Opposition Wins Knesset Majority but Remains Divided Over Arab Parties
· World · Hindustan Times, The Economist
In Israel's election, opposition parties secured a probable 67 of the 120 Knesset seats with 85% of votes counted, giving them enough seats to potentially end Binyamin Netanyahu's right-wing government. However, forming a ruling coalition remains uncertain because around 19 of those opposition seats are held by Arab-represented parties. Most Jewish opposition party leaders explicitly ruled out partnering with Arab parties, while Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot remained evasive on the issue. Netanyahu and right-wing coalition members like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have long demonised Arab politicians, who represent one-fifth of Israel's population. Although the Supreme Court overturned a September attempt by the Knesset election committee to bar Arab parties, lingering political division and post-October 7 tensions continue to hinder a unified opposition block.
Why it matters
If Jewish and Arab opposition parties fail to cooperate, Netanyahu could remain in power despite his coalition losing its parliamentary majority. The standoff underscores deep ethnic and political division that directly dictates who governs Israel.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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