Arab Parties Expected to Hold Balance of Power in Upcoming Israeli Elections

Israeli-Arab political analyst Amtanas Shahada predicts that Arab parties will secure 13 to 14 Knesset seats in the upcoming elections, reflecting the fact that Arab voters constitute about 20% of eligible voters. Shahada told the Al-Jarmaq website that this outcome would prevent either political bloc, whether Netanyahu's camp or the opposition, from achieving the 61-seat majority needed to form a government.

He explained that the increased political strength of Arab parties will complicate the formation of a stable government, as both sides will need to seek support from an Arab party outside the coalition or face continued political deadlock. Shahada also noted that current conditions in Gaza, the West Bank, and feelings of discrimination among Israeli Arabs are likely to boost Arab voter turnout, as participating in Knesset elections has become one of the few political tools available to the Arab public.

According to Shahada, many in the Arab community view the ousting of the current right-wing government as a primary goal and recognize their potential influence on election outcomes. This dynamic suggests that Arab parties will play a pivotal role in shaping Israel's next government.