WEB DESK: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is stepping up pressure on Arab political parties as he seeks to secure enough support to form a government following an election that has left both major political blocs short of a parliamentary majority.
The political uncertainty comes amid rising tensions over Israel’s Arab minority, renewed allegations of foreign interference in the election and concerns about a possible military confrontation with Iran alongside Israel’s ally, the United States.
Israeli Arab parties, representing descendants of Palestinians who remained in the country after its establishment in 1948, made significant gains in the election. Their performance came amid growing anger over statements by ministers, including Itamar Ben Gvir, regarding the treatment of Arab citizens and Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Together, the Arab parties could provide enough support to help the opposition secure a majority. However, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has faced political pressure over the prospect of relying on their backing. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned his right-wing supporters that an opposition victory could bring Arab parties into a position of influence.
Qatar allegations intensify political tensions
Israel’s Central Election Commission chairman, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, requested an investigation by the Shin Bet security service into allegations that Raam, a key Arab party, had received funding from Qatar.
Qatar has maintained channels of communication with Hamas, which governed Gaza before the war. Netanyahu’s Likud party described the allegations as a major political scandal and claimed the election had been compromised.
However, government officials did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Netanyahu has also faced scrutiny over Qatar-related allegations following the arrests of two of his aides last year over claims that they received payments from the Gulf state.
For years, Netanyahu’s governments had tacitly supported Qatari financial assistance to Gaza in an effort to maintain stability. That approach was upended by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the devastating war in Gaza.
Arab parties emerge as potential kingmakers
With nearly 93% of the votes counted, Netanyahu’s bloc had secured 53 seats, while opposition forces led by Eisenkot held 48. Neither side was close to the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.
The two main Arab political formations were projected to win a combined 19 seats, potentially giving them a decisive role in determining the next government.
The allegations surrounding Raam could further complicate negotiations by increasing political resistance to cooperation with Arab lawmakers.
Yousef Jabareen, head of the left-leaning, Arab-majority Joint List, told AFP that he was willing to cooperate with opposition parties to remove Netanyahu from power but did not intend to join an opposition-led government.
Jabareen said ending what he described as Netanyahu’s “blood-soaked government” was a priority. However, he acknowledged significant differences between Arab lawmakers and Eisenkot, who has broadly supported Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the October 2023 attacks.
Eisenkot said he was receiving updates on the allegations and pledged vigilance against electoral interference. He also cautioned against allowing political actors to use the controversy to influence the timing of the inauguration of the 26th Knesset.
Avigdor Lieberman, a right-leaning ally of Eisenkot, described the allegations as serious and unprecedented, calling for a swift investigation. Israeli police said they would examine all complaints concerning election integrity.
Netanyahu raises election fraud claims
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has built a reputation as a skilled political strategist during more than 19 years in office across different periods.
On Tuesday, he also alleged election fraud, claiming Arab parties had been caught with envelopes of cash and urging his supporters to turn out in response.
Police arrested three suspects, but the Central Election Commission described the incident as an isolated local case.
Iran tensions add to uncertainty
The possibility of renewed military action against Iran could further complicate efforts to form a government.
Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened strikes against Iran, while US President Donald Trump has signalled readiness for possible military action after next Tuesday’s US midterm elections. Trump’s Republican Party is expected to face setbacks in the polls.
Eisenkot has warned the military that Netanyahu lacks a mandate to use the armed forces for political purposes and urged officers not to respond to what he called the prime minister’s political needs.
A military confrontation with Iran could increase pressure on Eisenkot to reconsider his opposition to joining an emergency unity government. He has publicly ruled out that option, while continued political deadlock could eventually lead to another election.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will decide whom to task with the first opportunity to form a government after the official election results are published.
Clarify the election results and alliancesTighten the opening for faster impactMake the Qatar allegations more neutral
