Israel's Arab parties become kingmakers after decades of marginalization

Israel's Arab-led parties have emerged as potential kingmakers after securing a record 19 seats in the October 27 election, with their support likely determining whether Benjamin Netanyahu or rival Gadi Eisenkot forms the next government. President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce Sunday who gets the first mandate. Eisenkot has backing from 67 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset versus 46 for Netanyahu, relying on Arab party endorsements aimed at ending Netanyahu's grip on power. However, several Jewish coalition partners oppose governing with Arab parties, exposing tensions over their political inclusion. Arab citizens, about a fifth of Israel's population, have faced inequalities since 1948 despite formal rights, including a 2018 law declaring Jewish self-determination unique. Analysts warn that if Eisenkot excludes Arab MPs from coalition talks, their unprecedented voter mobilization may not be repeated.