Netanyahu Attacks Arab Parties After Record Knesset Win, Warns Against Coalition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Arab-Israeli parties of sympathising with Hamas after they won a record 19 Knesset seats, warning against forming a government dependent on their support. The October 27 elections left Israel in political deadlock, with neither bloc securing a 61-seat majority. Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats, while rival Gadi Eisenkot's opposition alliance secured 48, making the Arab-led parties, including Ra'am and the Joint List, potential kingmakers. An Eisenkot-Arab coalition could end Netanyahu's time in office, though such cooperation remains politically contentious among Israeli groups. The confrontation escalated after Joint List lawmaker Ayman Odeh faced a Shin Bet investigation over alleged foreign funding, which the Arab bloc denounced as political persecution. Netanyahu also alleged foreign interference in the elections, claims disputed by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.