Arab parties offer backing to coalition seeking Netanyahu's ouster

Arab-led parties in Israel signaled willingness to support an anti-Netanyahu coalition after record Arab voter turnout, potentially ending decades of precedent. The Joint List offered outside backing without joining the government, aiming to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Joint List won 11 seats and Ra’am won 8 in the 120-member Knesset, making them crucial for Netanyahu’s opponents, who hold 48 seats versus his coalition’s 53. Jewish-led factions face political risks aligning with parties that reject Israel’s Jewish identity and refuse to brand Hamas a terrorist group. Ahmad Tibi said a partnership would not end wars or achieve Palestinian statehood but could improve Arab citizens’ lives. Netanyahu’s opponents demand conditions like condemning Hamas, while the Joint List seeks outside support to avoid joining a government waging wars it opposes.