Dateline: October 27, 2026
Arab voters and Arab-led political parties could play a decisive role in determining the next government of Israel, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a closely contested election against opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot.
Arab citizens make up around one-fifth of Israel’s population, and their turnout could influence the distribution of seats in the 120-member Knesset. With neither major political bloc assured of a parliamentary majority, Arab-led parties may become important to post-election coalition negotiations.
Arab Voter Turnout Could Influence Election Results
Political leaders within Israel’s Arab community have urged voters to participate in large numbers. According to Reuters reporting published by The Times of Israel, pollsters projected Arab voter turnout at 63%, compared with 56% in the 2022 election.
Higher participation could increase the representation of Arab-led parties and influence negotiations over the formation of the next government. However, turnout projections are not final results, and the ultimate impact will depend on the election outcome.
Arab-Led Parties Seek Greater Political Influence
Two major Arab-led political groupings—the United Arab List, known as Ra’am, and the Joint List—are seeking to translate parliamentary representation into greater influence over government policy.
Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas has advocated a more influential role for his party, while Joint List representatives have discussed supporting a government from outside a governing coalition. Their priorities include addressing crime and violence in Arab communities and securing greater attention to community needs.
Coalition Politics Complicate Government Formation
Israel uses proportional representation, meaning parties receive Knesset seats based on their share of the vote. A government generally needs the support of at least 61 of the 120 lawmakers.
Several major Jewish-led parties have expressed reservations about forming a coalition with Arab-led parties. Eisenkot has also ruled out some forms of cooperation, although Arab politicians argue that parliamentary support could still influence government formation and policy decisions.
Community Concerns Extend Beyond the Election
For many Arab citizens, the election is also an opportunity to press for action on domestic issues. These include organised crime, public safety, equality and government investment in Arab communities.
The election therefore carries implications beyond the competition between Netanyahu and his opponents. The level of Arab participation and the choices made during coalition negotiations could shape the next government’s priorities.
