In Israel, Arab parties targeted by right-wing campaign ahead of legislative elections

With about a month to go before parliamentary elections in Israel, the Central Elections Committee has disqualified two lists formed by Arab parties, according to reports on Wednesday. The move is part of a broader offensive by Israel's right and far-right against the political representation of the country's Arab minority.

This campaign is notably supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's parliamentary majority, which aims, according to observers, to demobilise Arab Israeli voters in the run-up to the election.

A challenge for the future coalition

The Israeli opposition may need the support, or at least the voter turnout, of Arab parties to hope to form an alternative coalition to Netanyahu's. A drop in turnout or the exclusion of some Arab lists from the ballot could therefore directly affect the balance of power in the Knesset after the elections.

Israeli Arab parties represent a significant part of the country's electorate, with the Arab minority constituting about a fifth of Israel's population. Their participation in parliamentary elections has always been a key factor in the formation of government coalitions.

The parties affected by the disqualification have not yet indicated whether they intend to appeal the electoral commission's decision. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for about a month away.