Israel’s 2026 parliamentary election has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc short of a majority, placing Arab-led parties in a potentially decisive position in government formation.
The final vote count confirmed that Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, against 48 for the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Arab-led parties won a combined 19 seats, making them potential kingmakers. A majority of 61 seats is required to form a government.
Netanyahu’s Likud party is expected to emerge as the largest single party with 27 seats. However, the bloc’s shortfall means it cannot form a government without support from other lawmakers.
The opposition could potentially assemble an alternative majority with the backing of Arab-led parties. Eisenkot has indicated that he is open to working with them, subject to conditions.
Ahmad Tibi, who is second on the Arab-led Joint List, told Army Radio that the opposition had approached him about replacing the Knesset speaker. He said his party would support the opposition bloc’s candidate.
Arab-led parties could also influence parliamentary proceedings even without joining a governing coalition. Their support could help the opposition elect a new speaker, shape the Knesset’s agenda and advance legislation before a new government is formed.
The election result also carries significant political implications for Netanyahu. If he loses office, he could face renewed scrutiny over his long-standing corruption cases. A formal investigation into security failures surrounding the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack is also expected to come under consideration.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s party has repeated allegations that Arab-led parties stole the election with possible foreign assistance, although the claims remain unsubstantiated. The opposition has accused Netanyahu of targeting and demonising Arab citizens in an attempt to undermine the election outcome.
If political parties fail to reach an agreement on forming a government, Israel could face another election early next year.
Source: NDTV
