Israelis debate whether a government can rely on Arab lawmakers
Arab lawmakers give opponents of Benjamin Netanyahu a clear majority in Israel's parliament, but many Jewish lawmakers want to avoid depending on them. The dispute is being presented as a test for Israeli democracy.
A question has come to the fore in Israeli politics: can opposition forces seeking to replace Benjamin Netanyahu form a government with the support of Arab lawmakers? The New York Times reported on the issue on November 3, 2026.
According to the newspaper, Arab lawmakers give Netanyahu's opponents a clear majority in the parliament. Yet many Jewish lawmakers are trying to avoid a situation in which their power would depend on those votes.
The publication describes the situation as a test for Israeli democracy and asks whether Jewish politicians should invite Arabs to join the government.
The available source excerpt gives no further details on specific parties, seat numbers or an election timetable, so those details are not included here.
