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

Arab media outlets have analyzed the recent Israeli Knesset elections, focusing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to retain power and the potential influence of Arab parties. Some publications framed the vote as a "trial of Netanyahu's era," with high turnout attributed to the strong opposition to the premier. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, close to Hezbollah, also viewed the elections as a confidence vote in Netanyahu but cautioned that a loss of his majority might not lead to his immediate departure, citing the opposition's disunity and the possibility of further elections. Early exit polls, which initially favored Netanyahu's rivals, were later superseded by vote counts showing his bloc in the lead, though without a clear parliamentary majority. The Emirati Al-Khaleej suggested Netanyahu could lead a transitional government if rivals fail to form a coalition.

Significant attention was given to Arab voters, with Al-Khaleej reporting 19 mandates for Arab parties based on preliminary seat distribution. Jordanian political analyst Areeb al-Rantawi, writing for Al Jazeera, suggested that the high turnout empowers these parties to play a crucial role in government formation. However, he noted that Gadi Eisenkot would face resistance from rivals like Bennett and Lieberman, who are reluctant to depend on Arab lawmakers. This analysis was also based on initial exit polls.

Lebanese perspectives on a potential change in prime minister varied. Ghassan Hajjar of An-Nahar, citing a Lebanese political source, suggested Beirut might find it easier to negotiate with Eisenkot, believing the former IDF chief of staff better understands the limits of military force and the consequences of prolonged conflict. Conversely, Nader Izzeddine of the same paper did not anticipate substantial differences in military policy between the two contenders, referencing Eisenkot's "Dahiya doctrine."

In Jordan, Maher Abu Teir of Al-Ghad expressed concerns about settlement expansion, de facto annexation of territories in Judea and Samaria, and the potential for a new regional war. Former Egyptian diplomat Hussein Haridi, in Al-Ahram, observed that Israel's main Jewish parties largely agree on rejecting Palestinian statehood, with differences primarily concerning the willingness to discuss humanitarian and economic measures with the Palestinian Authority.