Global federation of Jewish communities and organizations
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.
British singer Boy George has arrived in Tel Aviv to perform two concerts, amid ongoing controversy over his support for Israel during the Gaza war. The visit includes meetings with Israeli officials, a Nova festival memorial site visit, and a public reaffirmation of his Zionist stance as artists face cultural boycotts.