From Foreign Policy · Mairav Zonszein · · 2m
Palestinian Voters Gave Eisenkot a Chance to Govern, He Should Take It
Palestinian voters helped Eisenkot win 19 seats in Israel's election, but he refuses to include them in his coalition.
In brief
Palestinian voters helped Eisenkot win 19 seats in Israel's election, but he refuses to include them in his coalition. Palestinian voters gave Eisenkot 19 parliamentary seats in Israel's election, but he has not included them in his coalition. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Israeli election results
Palestinian citizens of Israel voted in unprecedented numbers, helping two Palestinian-led parties capture 19 parliamentary seats.
Election deadlock mischaracterized
Netanyahu's bloc has 53 seats, Eisenkot's bloc has 48 seats, but Palestinian votes should be counted as opposition.
Palestinian voter turnout
Palestinian citizens make up roughly 20 percent of Israel's population and voted in unprecedented numbers.
Palestinian-led parties
The Joint List won 11 seats, the United Arab List won 8 seats, and both parties have distinct priorities.
Eisenkot's stance
Eisenkot has not signaled that Palestinian-led parties would be welcome in his coalition.
Internal opposition
Some opposition parties welcome Palestinian-led parties, but two have ruled out partnership.
Netanyahu's position
Netanyahu claims Palestinian Israelis would be unpalatable to Jewish Israelis after the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.
Hamas attack impact
Palestinian citizens were also killed and abducted in the Hamas attack, served in rescue efforts, and faced heavy missile fire.
Eisenkot's demands
Eisenkot requires partners to accept Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, recognize the Declaration of Independence, commit to national service, and declare Hamas a terrorist organization.
Coalition possibilities
Eisenkot could form a minority government with Palestinian Israeli lawmakers while relying on others for key votes.
Next steps
Eisenkot has a majority to elect a new speaker of parliament on November 10, which could advance security inquiries and judicial reforms.
Consequence
Eisenkot's coalition could challenge Netanyahu's policies and signal a shift toward inclusive governance in Israel.
Historical context
Palestinian-led parties have been in a governing coalition only once in Israel's 78-year history, for one year.
Key issue
Israel's 2018 Jewish nation-state law prioritizes Jewish citizens over Palestinians, excluding them from political participation.
The bottom line
Palestinian voters gave Eisenkot 19 parliamentary seats in Israel's election, but he has not included them in his coalition.
