Pictured here: A protest against Netanyahu's judicial coup in March 2023. Photo by Amir Terkel (עמיר טרקל), CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129286485
October 27, 2026 — New Jewish Narrative welcomes tonight's election results in Israel. According to exit polls, the parties that make up Prime Minister Netanyahu's government shrank from 68 seats to 50. In contrast, the four parties of the change coalition won 53 seats, and Arab-majority parties won 17. If the final count confirms these numbers, a clear majority of Israeli voters has chosen to move on from the current government.
We especially welcome the record participation of Arab citizens of Israel. Arab citizens make up roughly a fifth of the country's population, and for years their turnout has lagged. Tonight they showed up in historic numbers. They must be allowed a full voice in what comes next.
The voters have spoken. They have rejected the politicians who have ruled Israel so disastrously over the past four years. We call on Israel's political leaders to respect that outcome and put together a new government as soon as possible. Israel cannot afford a long stretch of caretaker rule or another round of deadlock.
“Israeli voters have delivered a clear rebuke to Netanyahu’s government,” said Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative. “Arab citizens turned out in historic numbers. Together with the votes of Jewish Israelis, the results point to a majority ready for change. Israel’s leaders must respect that verdict and form a new government. The country cannot afford another round of political paralysis.”
New Jewish Narrative is a national Jewish organization that champions peace, justice, and human dignity – in Israel, Palestine, and across the United States.
