By Salma El-Sakka
Final results from Israel's election show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while the bloc supporting his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, won 48 seats. Neither reached the 61 seats required to form a government.
Arab parties make historic gains
Parties representing Israel's Arab minority won a combined 19 seats, a historic high, as Palestinian citizens of Israel turned out in record numbers. Many voters aimed to oust Netanyahu and far-right coalition members such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Coalition prospects uncertain
Both leading blocs have ruled out forming a government with the two main Arab parties, Ra'am and the Joint List. However, their emergence as potential kingmakers has highlighted the complex realities faced by Palestinian Israeli nationals.
President Herzog to consult party leaders
The results still need certification and will be submitted to President Isaac Herzog next Wednesday. Herzog will then consult with party chairs and select a candidate he believes has the best chance to form a government.
Interference allegations dismissed
Ahead of the vote, Netanyahu and his allies alleged foreign interference, referring Arab parties to the Shin Bet security service over claims of Qatari involvement. Qatar denied the allegations, and Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas said his party had "no connection" to such conduct. The acting director general of the Central Elections Committee stated there was "no basis for allegations of systematic violations of electoral integrity."
Calls for inclusive government
Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, urged forming a government "in partnership" with Arab parties, rejecting what he called Netanyahu's "racist division between Jewish votes and Arab votes."
