Politics

Israelis Rally for Arab‑Party Alliance to Unseat Netanyahu

By AFP

Hundreds of Israelis marched on Saturday, October 31, 2026, urging opposition leaders to partner with Arab parties to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protest took place in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where demonstrators highlighted that Arab‑majority parties, which won 19 seats in Tuesday’s inconclusive election, could help the anti‑Netanyahu bloc reach a 67‑seat majority in the 120‑seat Knesset. Ayelet Raz, a 60‑year‑old psychologist, said the Arab community, making up about 20 % of Israel’s population, has a right to political participation and warned that Netanyahu was a “great manipulator.” She urged giving peace a chance to avoid further bloodshed.

Opposition chief Gadi Eisenkot, 66, who shares many of Netanyahu’s security views, stated he would only form a “Zionist government” that recognizes Israel as a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state and acknowledges Hamas as a terrorist organization—conditions Arab leaders have previously rejected. Eisenkot has not ruled out external support from Arab parties but has said he does not want a government dependent on them.

Supporters of the anti‑Netanyahu coalition expressed mixed views. Yair Golan, leader of the left‑wing Democrats, welcomed the prospect of a government backed by Arab parties, while Avigdor Liberman, head of the right‑wing Yisrael Beitenu party, said he would not join a coalition relying on Arab parties, even for external support.

Opponents of the alliance staged a counter‑protest in Tel Aviv, chanting slogans such as “It’s the Right, or Palestine” and accusing the two Arab parties of supporting Hamas. Netanyahu had earlier alleged electoral fraud involving Arab parties, claiming they were caught with envelopes of cash and later accusing them of receiving improper support from Qatar. Police arrested three suspects, but the election commission described the incident as isolated.

President Isaac Herzog is expected to grant a party leader a mandate to form a government within 28 days, by Thursday, October 29, 2026, with a possible 14‑day extension. The negotiations unfold as Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump hint at a new attack on Iran, which could delay new elections. Published – November 01, 2026 12:55 pm IST