Arab Lawmakers Could Tip Balance Against Netanyahu, but Opposition Remains Wary

Votes from Arab members of Israel’s Knesset could help end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rule, yet opposition reservations about relying on their support stand in the way of a path to power.

The dilemma exposes a tension within the opposition: votes that could prove decisive in removing Netanyahu are also a source of disagreement among those seeking to replace him.

At issue is not simply whether Arab lawmakers can influence the outcome, but whether opposition forces are willing to make their support part of a governing strategy. Reluctance within opposition ranks complicates that prospect.

The reservations leave Netanyahu’s opponents facing a political choice between pursuing the parliamentary support that could help bring them to power and maintaining their objections to relying on Arab votes.

For now, the potential influence of Arab lawmakers does not itself offer a clear route to a change in leadership. That also depends on whether the opposition can overcome its own divisions over accepting their support.