How Arab parties could hold critical balance of power in Israeli election
Arab-Israeli voters may hold the balance of power in the upcoming general election as they seek to oppose the current right-wing coalition. Despite historical disaffection, there is a renewed push for political participation to influence the country's future.
Why it matters
The political mobilization of the Arab minority in Israel is a critical factor that could determine the formation of the next government and the direction of national policy.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Yolande Knell Middle East correspondent, Nazareth BBC Students in Nazareth are handing out leaflets encouraging Arab Israelis to vote in next week's election At rush hour in Nazareth, the largest Arab-majority city in Israel, students are handing out leaflets by the roadside urging motorists to vote in next week's closely fought, general election. Polls indicate that Arab parties could be left holding a critical balance of power.
Disaffection has often driven down past turnout among Arab Israelis - who account for about a fifth of the population and often describe themselves as Palestinian citizens of Israel. But this election, there is a strong push to get rid of the most right-wing governing coalition in the country's history - an alliance between veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties.
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