Arab parties' 19 seats could decide Eisenkot's coalition bid amid right-wing criticism

Two Arab-majority parties, Raam and the Joint List, won a combined 19 seats in Israel's election in October 2026. According to The Hindu and Le Monde, they could become kingmakers as Gadi Eisenkot tries to form a government.

The Hindu reports that the 19 seats are nearly a sixth of the 120-seat parliament. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not give the split between the two parties.

On 13 November 2026, Eisenkot posted on X calling for respect for Israel's Arab minority, according to The Hindu. The newspaper quoted the post: "Arab citizens of Israel are an integral part of the Israeli story." The Hindu also quoted him as saying: "The attempt to marginalise them and vilify them collectively is a profound violation of the principles of civic responsibility." He added: "It is entirely legitimate to disagree with representatives of the Arab parties, even to strongly disapprove of some of them. But it is neither legitimate nor acceptable to malign an entire community, and I will not allow it."

Le Monde's headline says Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of a "racist" campaign against Israeli Arabs. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include an Eisenkot statement using that word.

According to The Hindu, President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on 8 November 2026. A majority of parties, including both Arab lists, had recommended him. Eisenkot has 28 days and may request a 14-day extension. If he fails, the mandate would pass to another lawmaker. The Hindu says this would most likely be Netanyahu, now caretaker prime minister.

The Hindu reports that Arab Israelis make up more than 20% of the population and were among those killed in the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. It says all Arab party leaders have condemned the attack.

What is disputed

• Electoral fraud: Netanyahu has repeatedly alleged fraud by Arab-majority parties. According to The Hindu, electoral authorities have rejected these claims.
• Recognition of Israel as a Jewish state: Netanyahu said both Arab lists refuse it. The Hindu reports that Raam leader Mansour Abbas has recognised Israel as a Jewish state in the past.

What each side says

• Netanyahu, in a speech at the new parliament's inauguration this week, said the Arab lists seek an "Islamic state" or a "nationalist Palestinian state", according to The Hindu. He and his allies have criticised Arab party leaders for refusing to call Hamas a "terror group".
• Itamar Ben Gvir, the National Security Minister, heckled Joint List leader Youssef Jabareen as he took his oath, The Hindu reports. The newspaper quoted Ben Gvir as accusing Jabareen of having "pledged allegiance to Hamas".
• Avigdor Liberman, a right-wing ally of Eisenkot, has said he will leave the coalition if Israeli Arabs are part of it, according to The Hindu.

The reports do not include responses from Raam, the Joint List, Netanyahu or Ben Gvir. Le Monde's summary closely matches The Hindu's text, and neither outlet credits a wire agency.

Analysis

Eisenkot's coalition arithmetic appears to pull in two directions. The Arab-majority parties' 19 seats could be decisive, while Liberman has said he would leave if Israeli Arabs join the coalition. The reports do not say whether the Arab parties would join a government or support it from outside, an option that could matter for both sides. If Eisenkot cannot form a government within the deadline, the mandate could pass to another lawmaker. The dispute over fraud allegations and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state may shape negotiations. Responses from the parties named are not yet included in the reports reviewed.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.