Israel's Arab Parties Unite to Oust Netanyahu, Targeting at Least 10 Seats in October 27 Election

Ahead of Israel's parliamentary election, the leaders of the country's Arab political parties have made a major political announcement. The leaders of the 'Joint List' alliance have pledged to work together to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power in the upcoming October 27 election.

The Arab party leaders set out this position at a press conference in the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Present at the press conference was Joint List leader Yusuf Jabareen, who heads the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash).

Also present were Ahmad Tibi, chairman of the alliance's parliamentary bloc and leader of the Arab Movement for Change (Ta'al), and Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of the National Democratic Assembly (Balad) party. The Joint List is formed of these three parties — Hadash, Ta'al and Balad.

Jabareen said their alliance has begun to grow in public support and hopes to win at least 10 seats in the October 27 election. He also remarked that if the voter turnout of the Arab population increases, it will be possible to bring down the Netanyahu government.

In his words, 'Increasing the participation of our Arab community will ensure the removal of the Netanyahu government.'

Jabareen also said that ensuring the safety of Arab citizens in Israel, tackling crime and violence, opposing the policy of house demolitions and protecting socio-economic rights are important priorities of their alliance.

Ta'al leader Ahmad Tibi said their main goal now is to prevent the political force led by Netanyahu and his government's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from returning to power.

Tibi noted that although an alternative government would not be the ideal government for the Arab population, political cooperation is necessary for change in the current situation.

Notably, Arab citizens make up about 20 percent of Israel's total population. Many of them complain of discrimination in crime control, housing, public services and political representation. These issues have gained importance in this election campaign.

The Arab party leaders also demanded an end to the war in Gaza and other regions, the creation of a path to a political solution with the Palestinians, and an end to discrimination against Arab citizens.

News agency Reuters says Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has a total of 120 seats, and at least 61 seats are needed to form a government. Recent opinion polls indicate a close contest between Netanyahu's coalition and the opposition parties. As a result, the number of seats won by the Arab parties and their support could become important in forming the next government.

However, there are differences of opinion among Israel's main opposition leaders on the question of forming an alliance with the Arab parties. The opposition camp led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot has objected to forming a formal alliance with the Arab parties.

On the other hand, Arab leaders believe that if the political equation changes after the election, opportunities for cooperation may arise. The result of the October 27 vote will show how much impact this pledge to remove Netanyahu actually had.