Israeli Arabs may increasingly support Zionist parties

Subject

Arab political directions in Israel.

Significance

During last month’s general election, turnout among Arab voters was substantially down on 2015. Amid increasing disillusionment and internal divisions within the Arab community, Arab-led parties also performed poorly. Notably, however, significant numbers of Arab voters backed the liberal Zionist Meretz party, saving it from crashing out of the Knesset.

Impacts

• The Arab community will remain divided in terms of voting patterns, with segments continuing staunchly to oppose engagement.
• Cooperation between Arab parties and Zionist ones, even on the liberal end of the spectrum, remains doubtful.
• Religious and right-wing parties will remain the dominant force for the foreseeable future.