{
  "id": 19410485,
  "title": "Uproar in Israeli parliament over Arab-Israeli lawmakers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/uproar-in-israeli-parliament-over-arab-israeli-lawmakers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T22:37:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/11/11/uproar-in-israeli-parliament-over-arab-israeli-lawmakers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tensions escalated at the inaugural session of Israel's parliament on Tuesday as lawmakers from both sides engaged in heated exchanges over the prospect of forming a coalition government with the backing of Arab parties. The October 27 election resulted in the Joint List and Raam securing a record 19 seats, positioning them as pivotal players in the legislative process. However, not everyone is convinced that a government leaning heavily on Arab support is a wise move.\n\nDuring the swearing-in ceremony, far-right politician Itamar Ben Gvir directed his ire at Yousef Jabareen, leader of the Joint List. Ben Gvir's accusation that Jabareen is pledging allegiance to Hamas sparked outrage, with the Arab-Israeli lawmaker and several others leaving the chamber in protest during the playing of the Israeli national anthem. The incident raised questions about the loyalty of Arab members in the Knesset, a move that drew criticism from the government itself.\n\nIn his address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his disappointment that the two major Arab parties have yet to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state, despite Raam's leader Mansour Abbas having done so previously. Netanyahu alleged that the Arab parties are seeking to establish either an Islamic state or a nationalist Palestinian state on the \"ruins of the Jewish state.\" This rhetoric only added fuel to the fire, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere within the parliament.\n\nThe political landscape remains uncertain, with neither of the two primary blocs possessing a majority. President Isaac Herzog appointed Yair Lapid to form a new government, following consultations with party leaders last week. However, Lapid's task is not without challenges: should he fail to secure a government within 28 days, a 14-day extension may be granted, after which another lawmaker, likely Netanyahu, will be given the opportunity to form a coalition. Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Golan of the left-wing Democrats party walked out during Netanyahu's speech, expressing his frustration with the prime minister's apparent acceptance of public rejection and attempts to maintain power through coercion.",
  "summary": "The Joint List and Raam won a record 19 seats, emerging as potential kingmakers despite suspicion from Benjamin Netanyahu’s and Gadi Eisenkot’s camps.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}