Why Israel's opposition no longer wants Palestinian parties in government

What Happened

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and former Israeli general, declared at a security conference on an unspecified date that he would seek a 'Zionist majority' government, ruling out a coalition with Palestinian Arab parties even if it means new elections. This follows a broader shift among anti-Netanyahu opposition figures, including Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, who previously partnered with Mansour Abbas's United Arab List (Ra'am) in 2021 but now distance themselves from such cooperation. The change is attributed to post-7 October 2023 hardening of Israeli public opinion: an Israel Democracy Institute poll from December 2025 showed 71.5% of Jewish Israelis oppose including Arab parties in government, and an Institute for National Security Studies survey found 57% oppose a Palestinian state. In response, Ra'am has agreed in principle to include Jewish former Yesh Atid lawmaker Yoav Segalovich on its electoral list, a move that a Channel 13 poll suggests could lift its projected seats from five to seven. Political analyst Ehab Jabareen told Middle East Eye that the political cost of association with Palestinian parties has become very high, though opposition parties may still seek their support post-election if arithmetic requires it. The next election is scheduled for 27 October.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The marginalization of Palestinian Arab parties—which represent about a fifth of Israel's population—reflects a deepening post-war political consensus that equates inclusion of non-Zionist parties with a security and identity concession. This may entrench a permanent exclusion of Palestinian citizens from government, undermine the fragile 2021 precedent of cooperation, and further erode prospects for a two-state solution or domestic civil equality debates. It also highlights the widening gap between Jewish Israeli public opinion and the political needs of a bloc seeking to unseat Netanyahu, potentially leading to prolonged deadlock.

Watch For

The 27 October election results and subsequent coalition negotiations are the immediate trigger. Monitor whether any opposition party, despite campaign rhetoric, solicits Ra'am's support if no 'Zionist majority' emerges. Also watch Ra'am's decision to include Segalovich and its impact on Palestinian voter turnout and the party's seat count. Polling closer to the date, especially from Channel 13 and the Israel Democracy Institute, may signal shifts in public attitude or party strategy.