Political maneuvering has intensified in Israel after the 2026 Knesset elections left the country facing a potential hung parliament, with neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition camp led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot expected to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority.
\n\nArab-led parties have signaled their willingness to help form an alternative government to oust Netanyahu, while opposition figures have called for cooperation with Arab lawmakers. However, Eisenkot has yet to publicly clarify his position on a possible partnership, leaving uncertainty over whether such an arrangement can materialize.
\n\nExit polls and preliminary vote counts indicate that Arab-led parties could secure a record number of seats, potentially giving them significant leverage in negotiations over the next government.
\n\nYousef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, said the alliance was prepared to help remove Netanyahu's government, which includes far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
\n\n"The government of Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir has made life hell for every Arab citizen," Jabareen said, describing support for Arab parties in the election as "historic".
\n\nWith most votes counted, the Joint List and the conservative Islamist Ra'am party were projected to win a combined 19 seats in…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/latest-news
