How Arab parties could hold the balance of power in Israel’s election

Students in Nazareth are distributing leaflets urging Arab Israeli citizens to vote in next week’s general election. Polls show no clear parliamentary majority for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing and ultra-Orthodox partners or for the Change Bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot, potentially making Arab parties decisive. Eisenkot has so far ruled out forming a government with them, while advocates say Arab Israelis have faced increased discrimination and restrictions on free speech since the Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023 and the Gaza war.