How Arab parties could hold critical balance of power in Israeli election
Arab-majority parties in Israel are positioned to potentially hold the balance of power in the upcoming general election. With polls showing a tight race between the incumbent coalition and the opposition, Arab voters are being urged to participate to influence the country's political direction.
Why it matters
The political influence of the Arab minority is a critical factor in Israeli governance, especially given the current climate of heightened social tension and the ongoing war in Gaza.
Image caption, 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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