Arab Parties Post Record Turnout in Israel's Election

Two leading Arab parties recorded record voter turnout in Israel's parliamentary election on October 27, 2026, according to The New York Times, and their strong showing could allow them to decide who becomes the next prime minister.

The vote was for the Knesset, Israel's parliament, which includes Jewish and Arab members as well as religious and secular Israelis. Arab citizens make up 21 percent of the population. Many describe themselves as Palestinian by heritage and Israeli by citizenship. The Arab minority ran in two lists: Ra'am, a party historically Islamist and led by Mansour Abbas, and The Joint List.

This was the first national election since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. Haaretz reported that turnout had reached 77.7 percent by 10 p.m. on election day.

Benjamin Netanyahu, who sought another term in office, warned supporters about turnout in the Arab sector, which was higher than usual, compared with low turnout among right-wing voters. He called the situation an emergency. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said his party "won't let" Arab Israelis celebrate the record turnout.

Early exit polls, which are surveys of voters as they leave polling stations, projected Arab parties winning 17 to 18 seats in the Knesset. Fox8 Live reported that the strong Arab showing could allow those parties to decide the next prime minister. The anti-Netanyahu bloc led in two of the three main exit polls, according to Times of Israel.

Gadi Eisenkot claimed victory and said Netanyahu should step down. He vowed to form a Zionist government committed to universal conscription, meaning mandatory military service for all. Before the vote, Eisenkot had ruled out forming a government with Arab parties, citing a lack of shared values.

Exit polls are early estimates and not official results. Israel's Central Elections Committee, which publishes the official tally, is due to release results and the distribution of seats within eight days of Election Day.