Arab parties could hold key as Netanyahu and Eisenkot set to fall short of victory

What the report says

Israeli election results reported by BBC World News indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud remains the largest single party, but his current right-wing and religious bloc appears to fall just short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset. The report says the same is true for the main opposition bloc led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, leaving both sides unable to govern alone based on the early count.

That possibility gives Arab parties a potentially decisive role. BBC World News reported that parties representing Israel’s Arab minority could hold the balance of power if either major bloc is willing to work with them. Some Jewish opposition parties have ruled out such cooperation during the campaign, while Arab-led lists appear to have matched or improved on previous seat totals. The article also notes unusually high turnout and says some results may still shift as absentee ballots, including those from soldiers, are counted.

The broader context is Israel’s continuing political fragmentation and the deep split over Netanyahu’s leadership, the direction of the country, and the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks. According to the BBC report, coalition talks are expected to be difficult and could take weeks, with the president due to consult party leaders after final results are confirmed. If no majority can be formed, Israel could face another election, while the current government would remain in a caretaker role.