Israel’s Joint Arab List party announced that exit polls projected the Arab‑bloc could secure as many as 18 seats in the Knesset, a result the party described as a record turnout for Arab voters in the country’s latest parliamentary election.
The projections, compiled from several polling firms, suggest the Arab‑bloc – which includes the Joint Arab List and allied parties – may win up to 18 of the 120 seats in the Israeli parliament, according to the latest exit‑poll data released on election night.
Party representatives celebrated the forecast, saying the outcome reflects a growing political engagement among Arab citizens and underscores the bloc’s increasing relevance in Israel’s electoral landscape.
Historically, Arab parties have held a modest share of Knesset seats, often ranging between five and ten. An 18‑seat haul would represent a significant increase and could give the bloc greater leverage in coalition negotiations as parties vie to form a governing majority.
The projected result comes as Israel prepares to assemble a new government following the election, with all parties awaiting the final official count that will confirm the exact distribution of seats.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
