Arab Media Views Israeli Elections as Referendum on Netanyahu's Era

Arab media outlets are extensively covering the Israeli elections, framing them as a critical test for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prolonged political tenure. Newspapers across the Arab world are highlighting the high voter turnout and the significant influence of Arab voters in potentially deciding the election's outcome.

Saudi Arabia's Asharq Al-Awsat described the elections as a "mass vote judging the Netanyahu era," noting the unprecedented turnout and the intense contest between Netanyahu and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. The paper suggested the high participation reflected Israelis' desire to either extend Netanyahu's rule or end it by voting for his main rival, with particular attention paid to Arab parties' potential seat count.

Lebanon's Al-Akhbar, identified with Hezbollah, used the provocative headline "Israel: The King's Autumn," accompanied by an image of Netanyahu appearing diminished. The paper characterized the election as a "referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu: for or against him," asserting that support for him has clearly waned but his political exit is not guaranteed. Al-Akhbar described Netanyahu's camp as experiencing "deep and overt fear of losing power," and noted attempts by Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir to mobilize voters with warnings about Arab voting. Arab voters were portrayed as a force neither camp could ignore.

The United Arab Emirates' Al-Khaleej newspaper titled its coverage "Bone-breaking elections in Israel without a decision," emphasizing record turnout and fierce competition between Eisenkot and Netanyahu, alongside an "Arab surprise." The paper focused on the power of Arab voters to sway the race, calling the projected 17 seats for Arab parties a "resounding surprise" that complicates Netanyahu's ability to form a new government. It also highlighted Eisenkot's warning that Netanyahu was in a state of panic and preparing to contest the results, and quoted Mansour Abbas accusing Netanyahu of lying and inciting against Ra'am to mobilize right-wing voters.

Qatar's Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed focused on the treatment of Arab voters, with the headline "Israeli Elections: Record Turnout, Intimidation and Incitement Against the Arab Voter." Al-Quds Al-Arabi, an independent pan-Arab newspaper, stated, "Record turnout in Israeli elections, and Netanyahu's fate is on the test," also emphasizing the decisive role of Palestinian voters and the Prime Minister's incitement against them.