Netanyahu, at risk of losing power, steps up attacks on Israel's Arab parties

Summary

Israel's election count continued on October 29 as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is at risk of losing power, stepped up attacks on the country's Arab parties. Reports say an Israeli minister sought the arrest of Israeli Arab party leaders over accusations of foreign funding. The Arab parties rejected those accusations and accused Netanyahu of trying to scare the opposition against dealing with Israeli Arab politicians. Analysts say the attacks may be meant to make his main rival feel unable to consider forming a minority government with Arab help. Election officials were expected to finish tallying votes later on October 29.

Timeline

1. RTÉ

   29 Oct 2026, 09:17 UTCSource ↗

   RTÉ reports that an Israeli minister has sought the arrest of Israeli Arab party leaders, citing accusations of foreign funding, and that Arab parties rejected the accusations and accused Netanyahu of trying to scare the opposition against dealing with Israeli Arab politicians.

2. The Straits Times

   29 Oct 2026, 14:16 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Netanyahu, at risk of losing power, has stepped up attacks on Israel's Arab parties, and that election officials were expected to finish tallying votes later on October 29.

3. Channel NewsAsia

   30 Oct 2026, 01:12 UTCSource ↗

   Channel NewsAsia reports that Netanyahu, at risk of losing power, has stepped up attacks on Israel's Arab parties, and that analysts say this may be an effort to keep his main rival from considering a minority government with Arab help.

4. Channel NewsAsia

   30 Oct 2026, 01:12 UTCSource ↗

   Channel NewsAsia reports that Netanyahu, at risk of losing power, has stepped up attacks on Israel's Arab parties.