Arab parties back Eisenkot: What’s the latest in Israel’s coalition talks? | Israel Election 2026 News
Arab Parties in Israel Back Opposition Leader Eisenkot, Challenging Netanyahu’s Coalition Prospects
In a significant shift following last week’s general elections, Israel’s Arab parties, which captured a historic 19 seats in the Knesset, have pledged to support the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot. This development diminishes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chances of forming another government.
The primary opposition coalition, comprising four Jewish parties, secured 48 seats but fell short of the 61 required for a majority in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. By collaborating with the two principal Arab groups representing Palestinian citizens of Israel, the bloc could potentially sidestep a political impasse and the prospect of another election.
Eisenkot’s coalition has vowed not to ally with Netanyahu, citing security lapses that preceded the October 7 Hamas attacks and the prime minister’s ongoing corruption trial. However, aligning with Arab parties presents a challenge to Eisenkot, as opposition from the political right grows amid increasing anti-Arab sentiment from Netanyahu and others seeking to rally Jewish voters.
Historically, Israel’s Arab population has been marginalized in the political arena. In recent weeks, there have been increased efforts to sideline Arab politicians, with at least two former Knesset members and one current member briefly detained for comments criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Political analysts suggest that as parties explore pathways to governance, they may be forced to make compromises and alter previously stated positions.
In the elections, Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party and allied far-right factions garnered 53 seats but did not achieve a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Eisenkot’s bloc, which includes his Yashar party, garnered 48 seats. The Joint List and Ra’am, led by Yousef Jabareen and Mansour Abbas respectively, made notable gains, securing 11 and 8 seats, following a significant increase in voter turnout among Arab citizens.
While there has been speculation over Eisenkot’s willingness to accept support from Arab parties due to potential backlash from Jewish voters, both Joint List and Ra’am have expressed a desire to cooperate with the opposition bloc to remove Netanyahu from power.
Ra’am’s Abbas has indicated a willingness to support an Eisenkot government, particularly if his party is allocated the internal security portfolio. Jabareen of the Joint List reiterated the party’s support for Eisenkot in Knesset votes, clarifying that joining a coalition was not their intention, especially given their stance against Israel’s ongoing occupation.
Netanyahu has accused Arab parties of electoral fraud, advancing claims that are currently unsubstantiated. His assertions include referencing arrests tied to alleged voter bribery in which the Ra’am party has denied involvement. However, doubts about the validity of Netanyahu’s claims have intensified, especially following a recent Israeli court’s decision to release a suspect and place another under house arrest.
Election officials affirmed the integrity of the electoral process, with Central Elections Committee chair Noam Sohlberg asserting that even if allegations are verified, they would not compromise the overall election results.
As the political landscape unfolds, Arab parties are expected to advocate for Eisenkot as their preferred candidate for prime minister. President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to meet with leaders of the 11 elected parties following the certification of the election results on Wednesday. He will subsequently select the candidate he believes has the best chance of forming a coalition government, likely making the decision between Netanyahu and Eisenkot.
Both leaders will have 28 days to negotiate a coalition arrangement, with a possible extension of an additional 14 days if needed. Despite the slim likelihood of a coalition between Netanyahu and the opposition bloc, discussions could emerge, as hints have surfaced of outreach attempts from Likud to members of Eisenkot’s party.
Regardless of the coalition discussions, Israeli parliamentarians are set to be sworn in on November 10.
