Arab Parties Could Be Kingmakers in Upcoming Israeli Elections, Poll Suggests

A recent opinion poll published by the Walla news site indicates a complex political landscape in Israel, with Arab parties potentially holding significant influence in the upcoming elections. The poll projects Benny Gantz's party, Yish Atid, leading with 25 seats, followed by Likud with 21 seats. Notably, Arab parties collectively are projected to win 12 seats, with the Front and Arab Change alliance securing 7 seats and the United Arab List taking 5.

With Netanyahu's bloc falling short of a majority, the poll suggests that the Arab vote could become a decisive factor in forming future coalitions. The projected seat distribution in the Knesset shows Yish Atid at 25, Likud at 21, and the combined Bennett-Lapid parties at 14. Other parties include Yisrael Beiteinu with 9 seats, the Democrats with 9, Shas with 7, Otzma Yehudit with 7, United Torah Judaism with 7, the Front and Arab Change alliance with 7, the United Arab List with 5, Religious Zionism with 5, and Amichai Wintour's party with 4 seats, surpassing the electoral threshold.

The poll's findings highlight the potential for Arab parties to act as "kingmakers" in the next Knesset, given the projected close race and the difficulty for any single bloc to achieve a clear majority.