DNA Decodes: How Arab parties could reshape Israel's politics and push Netanyahu out

Israel's political landscape could be heading for a major shift, with Arab parties emerging as key players in efforts to form a new government and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot securing the support of 67 lawmakers, putting him ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu in the race for power. However, differences within the opposition alliance over accepting support from Arab parties could complicate the formation of a stable government.

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In today's episode of DNA, Zee News Managing Editor Rahul Sinha examines how Arab parties have emerged as kingmakers in Israel, why their support has strengthened Eisenkot's claim to power, and how their possible role in a new government could influence the country's domestic and foreign policies. He also analyses Netanyahu's opposition to such an arrangement and the divisions within the opposition camp over working with Arab political groups.

Following consultations with political parties on November 4 and 5, Israeli President Isaac Herzog received recommendations from lawmakers on who should be invited to form the next government. Eisenkot emerged as the leading contender with the backing of 67 lawmakers, while Netanyahu received support from 46. The United Torah Judaism (UTJ) alliance, which had previously supported Netanyahu's government, did not recommend either leader.

How Arab parties pushed Eisenkot ahead of Netanyahu

The opposition alliance is led by Eisenkot's Yashar party, which won 21 seats. It also includes the Together alliance, formed by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, which secured 12 seats; the left-wing Democrats party with eight seats; and Yisrael Beiteinu, which won seven seats. Together, these parties account for 48 seats.

The alliance has received support from two groups of Arab parties. The Joint List, a coalition of three Arab parties, secured 11 seats, while the Arab party Ra'am won eight. Their backing has taken the number of lawmakers supporting Eisenkot to 67, above the 61 required for a parliamentary majority.

The support, however, does not necessarily guarantee a stable government. Some parties within the opposition alliance remain reluctant to work with Arab groups, despite their backing for Eisenkot. Members of Yisrael Beiteinu and some lawmakers from Eisenkot's own party are among those reported to have reservations, while the left-wing Democrats have shown greater willingness to accept their support.

Arab parties have been critical of Netanyahu's policies towards Palestinians and have called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. They have also opposed Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, the blockade of Gaza and the expansion of Jewish settlements.

Their support for a new government could give them greater influence over policy decisions. The issues likely to come under scrutiny include judicial reforms, military operations in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, and development funding for Arab towns and communities. During Netanyahu's tenure, Arab parties were largely excluded from government, while the new political arrangement could give them a more significant role.

Why Netanyahu opposes a government backed by Arab parties

Netanyahu has strongly opposed the prospect of a government dependent on Arab party support. He has accused some Arab leaders of supporting Hamas and attempting to weaken Israel's Jewish identity. He has also argued that such a government would struggle to take effective action against terrorism.

The former prime minister has appealed to Jewish parties to join a national unity government under his Likud party, offering to lead the proposed arrangement. He has accused the opposition of putting political interests ahead of national security. However, the opposition alliance has rejected the proposal.

A meeting between President Herzog and Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas has also become part of the political debate. During the interaction, Herzog asked Abbas whether he considered Hamas, which carried out the October 7 attack on Israel, a terrorist organisation. Abbas did not give a direct answer, instead asking not to be put to the test. Netanyahu has used the exchange to question the judgement of parties willing to rely on Arab support.

The position of United Torah Judaism could prove important in the coming days. The party represents ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities and has traditionally supported Netanyahu. However, its decision is also linked to its demand that exemptions from military service for its religious constituency be maintained. Its support could therefore depend on which political camp is willing to meet that demand.

President Herzog is expected to invite the leader considered most likely to form a government. With 67 lawmakers backing Eisenkot, he currently appears to have the advantage. However, disagreements within the opposition alliance and the conditions attached to Arab party support could determine whether he can turn that backing into a functioning government.

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