Israeli Protesters Urge Opposition to Ally with Arab Parties to Remove Netanyahu

Hundreds of Israelis gathered across the country on Saturday, rallying to pressure the opposition to form an alliance with Arab parties in order to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstrations, held in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, featured signs such as “67 — United we stand, divided we get Bibi” and “Arabs and Jews will only win together,” underscoring the protesters’ belief that a joint effort could secure a majority in the 120‑seat Knesset.

Recent parliamentary elections saw Arab‑majority parties, Raam and the Joint List, increase their representation to a combined 19 seats, fueled by discontent with Netanyahu’s hard‑right government’s rhetoric toward the Arab community. However, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has yet to decide whether to seek a coalition—or at least external support—from these parties.

Among the demonstrators was Ayelet Raz, a 60‑year‑old psychologist, who argued that Israel’s Arab population, comprising roughly 20 % of the nation, has a rightful place in political life. “It’s the last chance for real change,” Raz said, warning that Netanyahu, Israel’s longest‑serving prime minister, is “a great manipulator” and stressing, “We need to give peace a chance, otherwise we’ll have this bloodshed forever.”

The election left no bloc with a clear majority. Jewish‑majority parties opposed to Netanyahu secured 48 seats, while the two Arab parties held 19. An alliance between the two camps would give the anti‑Netanyahu side a comfortable 67‑seat majority, though some members of the opposition have voiced resistance.

Opposition figures are divided on the prospect of working with Arab parties. Yair Golan, leader of the left‑wing Democrats, has endorsed the idea, calling it racist to exclude Arab representation, and met with Raam leader Mansour Abbas on Thursday. Conversely, Avigdor Liberman, head of the right‑wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, has declared that his party will not join any coalition that relies on Arab support, even indirectly. “Whoever wants to rely on supporters of terrorism, let them. Yisrael Beiteinu will not be there,” he posted on social media.

Opposition Division

Eisenkot, a former military chief turned political novice, reiterated his condition that any government he leads must be “Zionist,” with members committed to recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state and to designating Hamas as a terrorist organization—terms Arab leaders have historically rejected. While he has said he does not want a government dependent on Arab lists, Eisenkot has not outright ruled out their external backing.

Protesters such as Sharon Balaban, a 55‑year‑old video artist from Jerusalem, echoed the call for courage: “I want them (the opposition bloc) to go ahead to be brave and do the right thing.”

Arab Parties Accused of Supporting Hamas

In parallel with the pro‑alliance rallies, more than 100 supporters of Netanyahu staged counter‑protests. “It’s the Right, or Palestine,” they chanted, echoing a slogan from Netanyahu’s campaign. Demonstrators accused Arab parties of aligning with Hamas. “The two Arab parties are for Hamas,” said Rebecca Schindler, 60. “They want to make Israel an Arab country.”

Other Netanyahu backers alleged electoral misconduct, with claims that Arab parties had been caught with envelopes of cash. Police reported three arrests, though the election commission described the incident as an isolated local case. Netanyahu later suggested that Arab politicians improperly received support from Qatar, posting on social media that “Collaboration with Arab parties would be a disaster for Israel.”

President Isaac Herzog is expected to grant a party leader a mandate to form a government within 28 days, with a possible 14‑day extension. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have hinted at a potential new strike on Iran, a development that could influence the timing of any governmental formation.

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