Policy differences, not ethnicity, drive Israeli parties' reluctance to ally with Arab parties

Israel's mainstream parties cite policy disagreements rather than ethnicity as the main obstacle to forming coalitions with Arab parties. The Arab parties, which range from conservative and Islamist to nationalist, often clash with mainstream parties on topics such as gay and women's rights, and some have declined to label Hamas a terrorist organization even after the October 7 attacks.

Despite these differences, many Arab citizens vote for mainstream parties, and Arab and Druze politicians have held senior roles across the political spectrum. Labour MP Raleb Majadele became the first Muslim Arab cabinet minister in 2007, while Druze politicians such as Salah Tarif and Majalli Wahabi have also served in high-level positions. Arab members have served as deputy speaker of the Knesset, on the Supreme Court, and as heads of major institutions, including Bank Leumi.

Arab academics occupy senior university posts, and Druze officers have commanded elite combat units. In sports, Arab players have captained the national football team. These examples illustrate the integration of Arab citizens into various sectors of Israeli public life.

The reluctance to join Arab parties in a governing coalition stems from fundamental disagreements on the character of the Jewish state and security policy. When practical issues such as housing, infrastructure and economic development are prioritized, cooperation becomes possible, as demonstrated by Mansour Abbas's Ra’am party joining the coalition led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid in 2021.