Arab Press Views Israeli Elections: Will Arab Votes End Netanyahu's Rule?

Arab newspapers prominently featured the Israeli elections, focusing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political future, the intense competition with Gadi Eisenkot, and the potential role of Arab parties in forming the next government. The coverage highlighted high voter turnout and the impact of Arab citizens' votes on coalition calculations. Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat" described the elections as a "mass vote judging Netanyahu's era," noting the significant turnout and the tight race between Netanyahu and Eisenkot. The paper suggested the turnout reflected voters' desire to evaluate Netanyahu's long tenure. Lebanese newspaper "Al-Akhbar," close to Hezbollah, ran the headline "Israel: The King's Autumn," with an image of Netanyahu, symbolizing his perceived political decline. It characterized the election as a "referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu: with him or against him," asserting that while his support has waned, it doesn't signify a complete defeat. The paper also mentioned fears within Netanyahu's camp of losing power, citing attempts by Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir to mobilize voters by warning against Arab votes, while acknowledging Arab voters as a force neither bloc can ignore. It cautioned that seats ending Netanyahu's rule might not automatically lead to an alternative government, suggesting new elections as a possible outcome of political deadlock. UAE newspaper "Al-Khaleej" labeled the competition "bone-breaking in the Israeli elections... without a decision," emphasizing high turnout, the sharp contest between Netanyahu and Eisenkot, and what it called the "Arab surprise." The paper focused on the influence of Arab voters, noting that 17 seats for Arab parties in pre-election polls could complicate Netanyahu's government formation. It also covered the controversy over extending voting hours and Eisenkot's warning that Netanyahu was preparing to challenge results. Mansour Abbas accused Netanyahu of lying and inciting against the Arab List, using it as a scare tactic. Qatari newspaper "Al-Araby Al-Jadeed" highlighted what it called intimidation and incitement against Arab voters, under the headline "Israeli Elections: Record Turnout, Intimidation and Incitement Against the Arab Voter." Palestinian newspaper "Al-Quds Al-Arabi" ran the headline "Record Turnout in Israeli Elections, Netanyahu's Fate on the Line," featuring photos of Netanyahu and Eisenkot voting. It also stressed the role of Arab voters, with a sub-headline stating "Palestinian vote is decisive... and the Prime Minister incites against them." Overall, Arab press coverage centered on Netanyahu's future, the Netanyahu-Eisenkot rivalry, and the potential impact of Arab parties, while also noting the incitement against Arab voters.