Demonstrators rallied across multiple Israeli cities to demand the formation of a government that incorporates Arab parties. The protests took place as right-wing activists organized counter-demonstrations to oppose such an inclusion and advocate for fresh elections instead.
According to reports from the Israeli daily Haaretz, thousands of people gathered at Habima Square in central Tel Aviv. Participants called for a governing alliance that includes the Joint List and the United Arab List, known as Ra'am. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans such as "The people gave you their support — form a government now" and "Through partnership and equality, we change the government," before marching toward Rabin Square.
Similar protests were held in various locations, including Paris Square in Jerusalem, the auditorium plaza in Haifa, across Beersheba, and at the Ras Amer junction near Tira and Tayibe. In Tel Aviv and Haifa, protesters displayed the numbers "67" and "53" on signs to illustrate the parliamentary distribution following the national poll held on Tuesday.
The election results show that factions opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 67 seats in the 120-member Knesset. This total comprises 48 seats for Jewish parties within the change bloc and 19 seats for Arab parties, standing against 53 seats for Netanyahu's right-wing alliance. Despite holding a 67-seat majority, most leaders of the Zionist opposition parties have reportedly refused to form a coalition dependent on Arab lists, according to The Times of Israel. This leaves the Jewish opposition factions with 48 seats, falling five short of the 61 required for an absolute majority and leaving them unable to build an administration without Arab party votes or cross-bloc defections.
Concurrently, hundreds of right-wing protesters gathered at Habima Square to reject the inclusion of Arab parties. Chanting slogans like "Bibi is king of Israel" and "The people demand new elections," some of these activists entered the area allocated to the pro-partnership demonstration despite police efforts to maintain separate perimeters. Meanwhile, Ra'am has reiterated its willingness to join the government, and Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen stated that his party is prepared to facilitate the removal of Netanyahu's administration.
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