Arab-majority city in Israel’s Northern District, a historic religious center
Christians in Israel fear harassment as regional conflicts intensify. A nun reports being spat at; volunteers and police are increasingly involved. Interfaith leaders highlight better policing and a new Greek Orthodox government envoy. Catholics join a Mount Tabor pilgrimage amid security concerns.
Arab-Israeli voters are mobilising ahead of the October 27 election, with turnout surging among Palestinian citizens of Israel. Polls suggest Arab lists could be kingmakers, potentially shaping whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot leads the next government. The dynamic is redefining coalition math in a deeply divided Israel.
Israel has held tightly contested elections that have produced a record Arab-led Knesset presence: Ra’am has increased to eight seats and the Joint List to 11, giving Arab parties a combined 19 of 120 seats. Neither Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition has reached 61 seats, leaving Arab lists with potential leverage over coalition formation.
Israel has held a high-turnout election whose early counts and exit polls have shown Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc and Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition each winning roughly 50–52 Knesset seats, short of the 61 needed to form a government. Arab-led parties have surged to about 17–18 seats and are positioned to hold the balance of power as final results are completed.
Israel’s election has produced no clear winner. Exit polls project Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc and Eisenkot’s Yashar alliance each short of 61 seats, with Arab parties seen as potential kingmakers. Final results are pending official tallies and coalition talks will determine the next government.
The 2026 elections are underway with high turnout across the country. Netanyahu and rival parties warn of irregularities, while Arab voters show strong engagement. Arabic-language ballot access and reports of arrests and suspected interference shape the day’s events.
Arab-led parties have surged to a record 19 seats in the Knesset, up from prior records, complicating coalition prospects as Netanyahu faces a fractured field. The opposition bloc may need Arab partners to form a government, while the president will oversee the coalition process.