Arab political parties have dramatically reshaped the political landscape in Israel, nearly doubling their seats in the 120-member Knesset to 19 following the 2026 election. This unprecedented electoral gain has positioned them as indispensable players, with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his primary rival, Gadi Eisenkot, needing their support to secure a parliamentary majority.
Representing approximately 20% of Israel's population, the Arab bloc has historically faced marginalization. However, their recent electoral success means they can no longer be ignored by mainstream parties. Despite their newfound influence, Arab parties remain cautious about formally joining a government coalition, citing ongoing issues related to the occupation of Palestinian territories, Israeli settlements, and the challenges faced by Palestinian citizens within Israel.
The Kingmakers' Dilemma and Rivals' Stances
Before the election, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot had publicly ruled out formal alliances with Arab parties. Netanyahu's campaign, notably, employed AI-generated videos and leaflets to frame the election as a stark choice between the right-wing and 'Palestine,' urging Israel's Jewish majority to unite against parties he claimed opposed the nation's existence. Following the election, his Likud party even alleged election fraud by Arab parties without providing evidence, accusations strongly rejected by leaders like Ra'am's Mansour Abbas.
Gadi Eisenkot, while less overtly hostile, still faces a challenging path. Any cooperation with Arab parties could contradict his campaign pledges and draw significant criticism from the Israeli right. Analysts suggest that such an alliance, if formed, would likely be fragile due due to deep-seated ideological differences.
Influencing Policy from the Opposition
Despite the reluctance to join a formal government, Arab parties are keen to leverage their increased strength. Joint List lawmaker Maha Karkabi indicated the bloc's intent to influence policy through their presence and participation in Knesset committees. This approach allows them to advocate for their constituents' interests and address critical issues without the direct political liabilities of coalition membership.
A previous attempt at a governing coalition involving Arab parties in 2021 lasted only a year before internal defections led to its collapse. If neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot can successfully form a government, the political vacuum could lead to Netanyahu continuing as a caretaker prime minister, potentially followed by new elections within months – a scenario some analysts believe could ultimately benefit the incumbent.