# Israel's Historic Election: Safety and Division

> Israel's election reveals deep divisions over safety and the future of Palestinians.
- Title: Israel's Historic Election: Safety and Division | Shortify
- Summary: Israel's election reveals deep divisions over safety and the future of Palestinians. Israel's election results signal a right-wing government but leave…
- Keywords: israel, election, netanyahu, palestine, gaza, west bank, arab parties, knesset, yair golan, gadi eineskot, avigdor lieberman, naftali bennett
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/10/israeli-election-netanyahu-outcome-palestine-safety.html?via=rss
- Author: Tamara Davison
- Published: 2026-10-28T16:48:24.91+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: israel, election, netanyahu, palestine, gaza, west bank, arab parties, knesset, yair golan, gadi eineskot, avigdor lieberman, naftali bennett
## Ben Friedhaim in Tel Aviv
Ben Friedhaim, a father in Tel Aviv, returned to Israel after Oct. 7 to vote.

> I think the army is very important when she turns 18
## Over 80,000 Israelis Returned
More than 80,000 Israelis returned to Israel after Oct. 7, unable to vote absentee.
## Military Safety Focus
Friedhaim believes the military is crucial for his daughter's safety as she grows up.

> It is an important election, but israel is always going to be at war
## Right-Wing Political Landscape
Israel's political scene is dominated by right-wing Zionist candidates who oppose two-state solutions.
## Key Challengers to Netanyahu
Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Naftali Bennett are main challengers to Netanyahu.
## Election Night Results
Initial exit polls showed Eisenkot's coalition leading Netanyahu, but results shifted toward Netanyahu.
## Arab Parties' Historic Role
Arab parties gained influence but face right-wing resistance to secure a majority government.
## Palestinian Concerns
5.6 million Palestinians in occupied territories cannot vote in Israel's election.
## Hostel Owner Nazzal
Issa Nazzal, a hostel owner in Ramallah, fears no change in the occupation.

> I didn't see anything that makes me feel they can change
## Youthful Political Activism
Teenagers pass flyers supporting far-right politician Bezalel Smotrich in Jerusalem.
## Netanyahu's Party Strategy
Netanyahu's party prepared claims of election fraud amid concerns about results.
## Arab Party Campaign
Reem Hazzan runs the Joint List, aiming to remove Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir.

> If we do not get rid of them, apartheid will continue and be deepened
## Palestinian Safety Fears
Sally Abed, a Palestinian mother, feels unsafe due to violence and war.

> I became a mother two years ago. I gave birth during a very active war
## Election Outcome Uncertainty
Israel's proportional representation system requires long negotiations to form a government.
## Arab Parties' Limited Influence
Arab parties have historically secured only 15 seats and rarely join governing coalitions.
## Future Uncertainty
Israel's next government may deepen divisions or fail to address Palestinian safety concerns.
## Key takeaway

Israel's election results signal a right-wing government but leave Palestinians in occupied territories without political power.