Arab‑Israeli Bloc as Kingmaker

A historic surge in Arab‑Israeli turnout produced a substantial 19‑seat bloc (Joint List 11, Ra’am 8) that now holds decisive bargaining power in a Jewish‑bloc stalemate. That bloc’s choices — whether to demand inclusion, conditional support, or abstain from coalition formation — will shape the next government and the prospects for minority inclusion in Israeli politics. — If durable, this kingmaking role forces Israel to confront inclusion, coalition norms, and whether Arab‑Israeli parties can translate mass turnout into governing power, with knock‑on effects for regional diplomacy and domestic policy.