After elections deprived Benjamin Netanyahu of his parliamentary majority, Arab parties could play a decisive role in forming Israel’s next government. This could mark a historic turning point in the country’s politics.
Yousef Jabareen, leader of the main coalition of Arab parties, told The Guardian he is ready to support the opposition to end the rule of Netanyahu and his far-right allies.
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Although the prime minister’s bloc came first, its seat count in the 120-member Knesset fell from 68 to 53. Meanwhile, the opposition “Change” alliance, led by former general Gadi Eisenkot, won 48 seats. The Arab parties secured a record 19 seats after a historic turnout of around 80% among Israel’s Arab citizens.
Jabareen said his coalition does not intend to join a government as long as the occupation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank continues. He is, however, willing to support an opposition-led government.
His demands include ending discrimination against the Arab community, resuming negotiations with the Palestinian leadership and stopping the war. Nevertheless, forming an alternative government remains difficult because of disagreements among opposition parties and the conditions for cooperating with Arab representatives.
Even before a new government is formed, the 67 lawmakers opposed to Netanyahu could take control of parliament. The first step could be electing the speaker of the Knesset.
Jabareen also expressed concern that Netanyahu could become involved in a new conflict with Iran. He said a military escalation could be used to delay the political transition.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to begin consultations with the parties to decide who will be given the mandate to form the next government.
