Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding that Israel’s opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot cooperate with Arab political parties to form a new coalition government following the inconclusive parliamentary elections.
According to Israeli media reports, demonstrators called on Eisenkot to overcome political differences and work with Arab-majority parties to secure a parliamentary majority. Protesters argued that cooperation between Jewish and Arab political representatives could create an alternative government and bring an end to Benjamin Netanyahu’s rule.
The demonstrations followed a significant electoral breakthrough for Arab political parties, which collectively secured a record 19 seats in the Israeli parliament. Their strong performance has placed them in a potentially decisive position in the negotiations over the formation of the next government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has questioned the election results and accused Arab parties of electoral fraud without presenting publicly substantiated evidence. Arab political leaders have rejected the allegations, while Israel’s election authorities have dismissed claims of widespread electoral fraud.
The election results have left Israel facing a political deadlock, as neither major political bloc has secured the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu’s political bloc won 53 seats, while the opposition alliance led by Eisenkot secured 48 seats. Arab-led parties collectively obtained the remaining 19 seats.
The opposition could potentially reach 67 seats if it secures the support of all Arab political representatives. However, cooperation remains politically complicated, as several opposition parties have previously expressed reservations about joining a government with Arab-majority parties. The demonstrations in Tel Aviv reflected growing public pressure for cross-community political cooperation.
