Arab parties’ 19 seats fuel tensions as Israel seeks a new government

Israel’s new parliament opened amid sharp disputes over forming a government.

The Joint List and Raam, two Arab parties, won 19 of the Knesset’s 120 seats in the October 27 election, giving them potential influence over who can form a governing majority.

During the swearing-in, far-right politician Itamar Ben Gvir taunted Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen, while some Joint List lawmakers left the chamber during Israel’s national anthem.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the parties, while some opposition politicians also warned against joining them in a coalition.

President Isaac Herzog has asked Eisenkot to form a government, but neither main political bloc has a majority.

Eisenkot has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension; if he fails, another lawmaker, likely Netanyahu, could be given the task.