Arab parties hold record leverage in Israel's 2026 election deadlock
Israel's October 27 election resulted in a stalemate, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot securing the 61 seats required to govern. Arab-led parties achieved a historic turnout, winning approximately 19 seats and positioning themselves as potential kingmakers. While Netanyahu rejects cooperation with Arab groups, the opposition bloc remains divided on whether to form a coalition with them to unseat the prime minister.