Arab parties join Israel political deadlock

The race to assemble Israel’s next government has drawn Arab‑majority parties into the centre of negotiations.

Former chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot, tasked by President Isaac Herzog to form a cabinet, has received assurances of support from several Arab parties, adding a new dimension to an already complex political landscape.

Eizenkot’s outreach also includes Netanyahu’s Likud and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist party, but he will only lead the coalition if a broad consensus is reached.

The October election left the Knesset divided: Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Eizenkot obtained 48, both falling short of the 61‑seat majority needed to govern.

While some Arab parties are ready to back Eizenkot, a number of his coalition partners are skeptical about joining a government that includes ultra‑orthodox factions demanding exemptions from compulsory military service. Eizenkot opposes those exemptions, advocating equal service for every citizen.

Netanyahu has put forward a proposal for a national‑unity cabinet, yet the two leaders have yet to agree on the share of power and ministerial portfolios, keeping the deadlock alive.