Palestinian Israeli politician, Balad leader and former Knesset member
The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash), Balad and Ta'al announce a three-party Joint List to confront Israeli political challenges. They say unity is essential to defend Palestinian rights, rebuild trust, and push for ten seats in the Knesset, aimed at countering a fascist right-wing government.
Arab parties face disqualification challenges as Israel's election rules are tested. The Supreme Court and Central Elections Committee are at the center of rulings that could shape representation for Palestinian citizens ahead of the October 27 vote.
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.
President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, calling him a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and warning the United States would carry the fight against Iran if Israelis choose another leader. The endorsement has drawn praise from Netanyahu allies and criticism from US Democrats and liberal Israeli groups; polls still show no clear governing majority.
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.
Israelis vote in the first election since Hamas’s assault and Gaza war, with polls showing Netanyahu’s coalition facing a potential loss of majority. The campaign is dominated by security, governance, and the future of Palestinian policy as regional tensions escalate.
Palestinian parties in Israel have secured a historic 19 seats in the Knesset amid record turnout, challenging the Jewish political establishment and complicating coalition talks. Netanyahu’s bloc remains short of a majority, while Arab lists push for influence without entering a formal government coalition.
A Palestinian-Israeli journalist has been detained in Jaffa on suspicions tied to an interview. Rights groups say the arrest is part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian political expression in Israel. Detention is being extended as investigations continue ahead of a court hearing.