# Israel's election paradox

> Israel's Arab minority holds election power balance after Netanyahu's loss.
- Title: Israel's election paradox · Salon | Shortify
- Summary: Israel's Arab minority holds election power balance after Netanyahu's loss. Israel's Arab minority now holds the balance of power in the Knesset after…
- Keywords: israel, knesset, netanyahu, arab parties, election, israeli democracy, political coalition, midterm elections, gideon levy, haaretz, news, politics
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/11/02/the-dark-paradox-of-israels-election-and-ours
- Author: Andrew O'Hehir
- Published: 2026-11-02T14:00:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: israel, knesset, netanyahu, arab parties, election, israeli democracy, political coalition, midterm elections, gideon levy, haaretz, news, politics
## Israel's election outcome
Benjamin Netanyahu lost last week's election but Israel's fragile democracy faces corruption from within.
## Arab parties gain seats
67 of 120 Knesset seats won by parties opposing Netanyahu including 19 Arab parties.
## Netanyahu's claims
Netanyahu alleges election fraud despite Arab minority voting unexpectedly.
## Arab minority power
Israel's Arab minority holds balance of power in Knesset with no monolithic political identity.
## Gadi Eisenkot's dilemma
Centrist opposition leader refuses to form government with Arab support.
## Demonstrations
Thousands urge Eisenkot to include Arab parties in government.
## Gideon Levy's view
Levy says Israeli Palestinians may determine Israel's fate after 80 years.
## Netanyahu's government risk
Netanyahu's government could increase Gaza violence and settler actions.
## Historical context
Israel's political identity shifted from heroic renewal to current challenges.
## Biden-Netanyahu meeting
Biden's hug with Netanyahu signals shift in Israeli political perception.
## Shared political challenges
Both Israel and US face questions about voting power and constitutional equality.
## Key takeaway

Israel's Arab minority now holds the balance of power in the Knesset after Netanyahu's election loss, forcing a choice between a Netanyahu-led government or a coalition including Arab parties.