Israeli Election Deadlock Makes Arab Parties Kingmakers

Israel's first general election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition with 53 seats, a loss of 15 from the previous election, while opposition parties hold 48 seats and Arab parties won a record 19 seats in the 120-member parliament. No bloc secured the 61 seats needed to form a government, making Arab parties a decisive political force. They have stated willingness to support opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to remove Netanyahu, though Jewish opposition leaders appear reluctant to include them in a coalition. The election outcome could impact Israel's international standing, which has deteriorated under Netanyahu's policies, and affect India's diplomatic approach to the region. However, analysts note that Eisenkot's stance on Gaza differs little from Netanyahu's, and major policy shifts are unlikely.