Arab parties hold key as Netanyahu and Eisenkot fall short of majority

Israel's political deadlock deepens as both Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and Benny Eisenkot's centrist alliance appear unable to secure a governing majority without support from Arab parties. Projections show Netanyahu's camp winning around 59 seats and Eisenkot's bloc about 56 seats, leaving both short of the 61 needed in the 120-seat Knesset. The Arab Joint List, expected to win 15 seats, emerges as a potential kingmaker. This outcome forces mainstream Jewish parties to confront a historic choice: negotiate with Arab factions they have long marginalized, or risk a fifth election in three years. The stalemate reflects deep divisions over Netanyahu's leadership and the role of Arab citizens in Israeli politics. If neither side compromises, the country faces prolonged instability at a time of economic strain and security challenges. The coming weeks will test whether Israel's political system can adapt to a more fragmented reality—or remain stuck in endless gridlock.