--- title: "Israel election: Arab parties key as blocs tied" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-election-arab-parties-key-as-blocs-tied" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/israel-election-arab-parties-key-as-blocs-tied" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-election-arab-parties-key-as-blocs-tied.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/israel-election-arab-parties-key-as-blocs-tied" category: "Politics" area: "Israel" published: "2026-10-28T07:25:12.807Z" source_reported: "2026-10-28T07:07:41.968Z" updated: "2026-10-28T07:25:12.807Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 59 hype_score: 65 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-28T07:15:34.530769+00:00" --- # Israel election: Arab parties key as blocs tied *Exit polls suggest no clear majority for Netanyahu or opposition, with Arab parties poised to be kingmakers.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claims are corroborated across 29 outlets, but rely on anonymous exit poll data. - Craft 59 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is clear and holds together, but lacks direct quotes or right of reply. - Hype 65 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise definitive outcomes and 'lost power' which the body qualifies with 'could' and 'may'. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Exit polls suggest Arab parties could win between 17 and 19 seats in the Knesset. - Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party was the most voted party according to preliminary results. - Neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition bloc are projected to reach the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. - Arab parties are expected to play a decisive role in forming the next Israeli government. Exit polls from Israel's legislative elections indicate a close contest, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition projected to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. Preliminary results show Netanyahu's Likud party as the most voted. Voter turnout was reportedly record-breaking, with figures cited between 77.7% and approximately 80%. Arab parties are expected to be pivotal in the formation of the next government. Projections suggest these parties could collectively win between 17 and 19 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. This outcome positions them as potential kingmakers in a closely divided parliament. ## Disagreement on seat projections Exit polls suggest Arab parties could win between 17 and 19 seats, according to multiple reports. Specifically, Catalunyapress, rmf24.pl, NEWS9 LIVE, Stirile Pro TV, Medyascope, madhyamam.com, and WTX News cite 18 seats. TV9 Hindi suggests 19 seats, while Le Temps, Anadolu Ajansı, AJN Agencia de Noticias, and elnorte.com mention a range of 17 to 18 seats. Akşam reports 17 seats for Arab parties. ## What the coverage left out None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports below mention the specific figure of 77.7% voter turnout cited by Catalunyapress and EL ESPAÑOL. The left-rated report does not mention the specific seat projection of 17-19 seats for Arab parties, instead referring to them as potentially playing a kingmaker role. ## Who covered it Shares of the 9 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 11% (1) - Centre: 33% (3) - Right: 56% (5) 22 of 31 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-28T07:15:34.530769+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 3 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-28T08:00:20.037Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Le Temps, rated left, led with the potential breakthrough of Arab parties in the Knesset and Benjamin Netanyahu losing his majority. The report highlighted that Arab parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, could play the role of kingmakers. It noted that Netanyahu's Likud party was expected to fall short of 61 seats, though the situation could still evolve as votes were counted. The outlet also mentioned Haaretz's observation of unprecedented participation by Arab voters. ### Centre - Centre-rated outlets focused on the pivotal role of Arab parties and the lack of a clear majority for either bloc. Jornal Expresso's digest noted that Israeli Arabs are the balance of power and that Likud, while the largest party, had lost its majority. Yle's report indicated that the Israeli opposition might have to decide whether to include Arab parties in the government, suggesting a majority was emerging against Netanyahu's continuation as prime minister. El Confidencial reported that Netanyahu was ahead but remained short of a majority, and that his bloc of allies was losing seats to a majority opposition that would need Arab support to govern. ### Right - Right-rated outlets highlighted the close contest between Netanyahu's bloc and the opposition, with Arab parties as a key factor. EL ESPAÑOL reported that Netanyahu led the count but lost the majority, pushing the opposition to compromise with Arab parties, and noted the high turnout. Anadolu Ajansı's revised exit polls put both Netanyahu's bloc and the opposition at 51 seats each, with Arab parties projected to win 18 seats. Reforma's digest stated that Netanyahu's blocs and the opposition were in a close contest, with advancing Arab parties potentially being key. **Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - veryLow: 1 - mixed: 1 - high: 7 - unknown: 22 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Catalunyapress](https://catalunyapress.cat/article/internacional/2026-10-28/6068774-empat-tcnic-israel-els-rabs-clau-govern) — Technical Tie in Israel: the Arabs, Key to the Government - [rmf24.pl](https://rmf24.pl/fakty/polska/news-zwrot-po-wyborach-w-izraelu-te-partie-moga-zdecydowac-o-losi,nIdn,1023686) — A U-Turn in Israel's Elections? These Parties Could Decide Netanyahu's Fate - [SIC Notícias](https://sicnoticias.pt/podcasts/expresso-da-manha/2026-10-28-likud-e-o-partido-mais-votado-mas-netanyhau-perdeu-a-maioria-e-os-arabes-israelitas-sao-o-fiel-da-balanca-ab42cf01) — Likud Is the Most Voted Party, but Netanyhau Lost the Majority and the Israeli Arabs Are the Faithful of the Balance - [Jornal Expresso](https://expresso.pt/podcasts/expresso-da-manha/2026-10-28-arabes-israelitas-sao-o-fiel-da-balanca-likud-continua-o-maior-partido-mas-netanyhau-perdeu-a-maioria-41bb7cea) — Israeli Arabs Are the Faithful of the Balance, Likud Continues the Largest Party, but Netanyhau Lost the Majority - [Libre](https://libre.gr/2026/10/28/israil-ekloges-protos-netaniachou-ako) — Israel-Elections: Netanyahu First, Followed by Eisenkot, Arab Parties Are the Regulator-Backstage at the Presidential Palace - [TV9 Hindi](https://tv9hindi.com/world/israel-election-2026-arab-parties-seats-benjamin-netanyahu-gadi-eizenkot-exit-poll-3947386.html) — What Happened to the Muslim Party in the Israeli Elections, How Many Seats Are Expected to Be Won? - [NEWS9 LIVE](https://news9live.com/world/israel-election-arab-parties-projected-to-win-18-seats-could-hold-key-to-government-formation-3019759) — Israel election: Arab parties projected to win 18 seats, could hold key to government formation - [yle](https://yle.fi/a/74-20253708) — Israeli Opposition May Have to Decide Whether to Include Arabs in Government - [Stirile Pro TV](https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/international/alegeri-in-israel-ce-rol-ar-putea-juca-partidele-arabe.html) — Elections in Israel. What Role Could Arab Parties Play - [Medyascope](https://medyascope.tv/2026/10/28/israilde-hukumetin-kilidi-arap-partilerinde) — In Israel, the Balance of Power Has Shifted Thanks to Arab Voters; with 18 Seats, They Can Determine the Government. - [Le Temps](https://letemps.ch/monde/moyenorient/en-israel-la-minorite-arabe-devrait-percer-a-la-knesset-et-benyamin-netanyahou-perdre-la-majorite) — In Israel, the Arab Minority Should Break Into the Knesset and Benyamin Netanyahu Lose the Majority - [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/dunya/gazze-katili-secimi-kaybetti-netanyahunun-son-cirpinisi-fayda-etmedi/haber-1709769) — The Gaza Killer Lost the Election! Netanyahu's Last Desperate Attempt Was in Vain. - [EL ESPAÑOL](https://elespanol.com/mundo/oriente-proximo/20261028/netanyahu-lidera-recuento-israel-pierde-mayoria-resultado-empuja-oposicion-pactar-partidos-arabes/1003744437490_0.html) — Netanyahu Leads the Recount in Israel but Loses the Majority: the Result Pushes Opposition to Compromise with Arab Parties - [El Confidencial](https://elconfidencial.com/mundo/2026-10-28/netanyahu-castigado-su-bloque-cae-en-escanos_4454401) — Netanyahu Is Ahead of the Opposition, but Remains at the Gates of the Majority in Israel - [madhyamam.com](https://madhyamam.com/world/rab-parties-set-for-record-win-in-israel-to-be-decisiv-1566926) — 'Arab Spring' in Israel?; Exit Poll Says Arab Parties Crucial | Rab Parties Set For Record Win In Israel; To Be Decisiv - [lanoticiasv.com](https://lanoticiasv.com/netanyahu-lidera-el-conteo-preliminar-en-israel-pero-la-oposicion-busca-formar-gobierno) — Netanyahu Leads Preliminary Counting in Israel, But Opposition Seeks to Form Government - [WTX News](https://wtxnews.com/arab-parties-expected-to-secure-18-seats-in-israels-parliamentary-election) — Arab parties expected to secure 18 seats in Israel's parliamentary election - [JUNGE FREIHEIT](https://jungefreiheit.de/politik/ausland/2026/netanjahus-partei-liegt-ueberraschend-vorn-aber) — Netanyahu's Party Is Surprisingly Ahead, but... - [SINDOnews.com](https://international.sindonews.com/read/1765491/43/hasil-hitung-cepat-pemilu-israel-partai-partai-arab-menang-besar-netanyahu-mustahil-terus-berkuasa-1793146201) — Israeli Election Quick Count Results: Arab Parties Win Big, Netanyahu's Stay in Power Impossible - [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/demokratlar-partisi-lideri-golan-netanyahu-karsiti-20372310-haberi) — Democrat Party Leader Golan Wants Arab Parties to Join the Anti-Netanyahu Coalition. - [Indice Político](https://indicepolitico.com/netanyahu-gana-en-israel-pero-su-bloque-queda-lejos-de-la-mayoria-parlamentaria) — Netanyahu Wins in Israel, but His Bloc Is Far From the Parliamentary Majority - [camer.be](https://camer.be/actualites/politique/israel-eisenkot-le-mandat-de-netanyahu-est-termine) — Israel - Eisenkot: "Netanyahu's Mandate Is Over" - [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/revised-israeli-exit-polls-put-netanyahu-s-bloc-and-opposition-at-51-seats-each/4103218) — Revised Israeli Exit Polls Put Netanyahu's Bloc and Opposition at 51 Seats Each - [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/10/28/2699616.html) — Netanyahu's bloc has secured 50 seats, the opposition has secured 52 seats, and the Arab parties will be the deciding vote with 18 seats - [El Salto](https://elsaltodiario.com/israel/elecciones-israel-netanyahu-gana-elecciones-lo-tiene-dificil-gobernar) — Elections in Israel: Netanyahu Would Win Elections But Has It Hard to Rule · Global Voices - [IMLebanon](https://imlebanon.org/2026/10/28/israel-election-2) — Israel... Equates Netanyahu and Opposition Camps with 51 Seats. - [AJN Agencia de Noticias](https://agenciaajn.com/noticia/elecciones-en-israel-los-partidos-arabes-raam-y-la-lista-conjunta-alcanzan-entre-17-y-18-escanos-segun-sondeos-de-boca-de-urna-316018) — Elections in Israel: Arab Ra’am Parties and the Joint List Reach Between 17 and 18 Seats, According to Urn-Mouth Polls - [Reforma](https://reforma.com/empatan-bloques-de-netanyahu-y-oposicion-en-sondeos/ar3303073) — Netanyahu Blocks Empatan and Opposition in Polls · Global Voices - [elnorte.com](https://elnorte.com/empatan-bloques-de-netanyahu-y-oposicion-en-sondeos/ar3303078) — Netanyahu Blocks Empatan and Opposition in Polls · Global Voices - [Irish Independent](https://independent.ie/world-news/israels-arab-parties-could-be-the-kingmakers-in-its-election/a/163657778.html) — Israel’s Arab parties could be the kingmakers in its election - [La República](https://larepublica.pe/mundo/2026/10/27/netanyahu-enfrenta-un-reves-tras-los-primeros-resultados-desfavorables-en-israel-y-una-participacion-record-1331235) — Netanyahu Loses Power in Israel and Arab Parties Could Define the Formation of the Next Government ## Questions **What do exit polls suggest about the election results in Israel?** Exit polls suggest a very close election in Israel, with neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition projected to win the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority. Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party was the most voted party according to preliminary results. **What is the projected role of Arab parties in the new Israeli government?** Arab parties are expected to play a decisive role in forming the next Israeli government. Exit polls suggest they could win between 17 and 19 seats in the Knesset, positioning them as potential kingmakers in a divided parliament. **Was voter turnout high in the Israeli elections?** Yes, voter turnout was reportedly record-breaking. Some sources cite 77.7%, while others estimate it to be approximately 80%, indicating significant public engagement in the election. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-election-arab-parties-key-as-blocs-tied. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Israel election: Arab parties key as blocs tied", https://mediabias.news/politics/israel-election-arab-parties-key-as-blocs-tied