Arab Parties Extend A Hand To Try To Topple Netanyahu But Challenges Remain

Ahmad Tibi says Israel’s Arab-led Joint List is willing to support a government formed by parties seeking to oust Benjamin Netanyahu, breaking with past practice. Its support could help the opposition gain power, but would force both Arab and Jewish-led parties to navigate deep disagreements over Israel’s identity, the wars and Palestinian rights.

Netanyahu’s coalition holds 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot has 48. The Joint List won 11 seats and the more conciliatory Ra’am party won eight, making their backing or abstention potentially decisive. Tibi says the Joint List could support an opposition government without joining it; some opposition figures welcome that possibility, while others object to the alliance.