Arab Israelis proud of high election turnout, uncertain for future
A librarian in an Arab town in northern Israel, Maysa Nasser never thought to vote in national elections. But on Tuesday she cast a ballot for the first time, stung by the racism she has felt from the hard-right government. Many in Israel's Arab minority felt like her, heading in unprecedented numbers to the polls out of fury at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Winning a record number of seats,…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition are frantically urging their supporters to vote in the upcoming election, fearing a surge in Arab voter turnout. Palestinian politicians have denounced this strategy as racist and inflammatory. Witnesses reported seeing cars with Netanyahu's Likud party flags driving through Jerusalem, playing the Islamic call to prayer and urging supporters to cast their ballots.
Netanyahu warned that if they fail to act, they could end up with a government led by Mansour Abbas and Ahmed Tibi, two prominent Palestinian politicians in Israel. Tibi, a candidate from an Arab party, suggested that strong Arab voting would pave the way for an alternative government and bring about a change in the current situation.
Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of the Arab Balad party, expressed pride in the long lines outside polling stations, stating that it should bring joy to anyone who believes in democracy. Abu Shehadeh questioned the motives of Netanyahu and his associates, asking what they are afraid of. The Arab Balad party leader stated that the inciting messages from controversial figures like Ben Gvir, Netanyahu, and their partners are a testament to their genuine concern for democracy.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Netanyahu warns of Arab voter surge in Israel's election in desperate bid to woo support middleeasteye.net
- How Ben Gvir and Smotrich helped drive historic Arab voter turnout 972mag.com
- Likud claims election ‘stolen’ by Arab parties following their record performance timesofisrael.com
- 'Arab parties are a force you can't ignore': Israel's election had the Arab world glued to its screens, too haaretz.com
