Netanyahu Calls on Likud Supporters to Vote as Arab Turnout Surges in Israeli Election

He framed the election as a choice between a “strong right-wing government” and a left-wing coalition backed by Arab parties.

Netanyahu warns of high Arab voter turnout, urges Likud supporters to vote in Israeli elections

The vote is the first national election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the ensuing wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Arab citizens, who constitute roughly 20-21 % of Israel’s ten-million population, have historically turned out at lower rates than Jewish Israelis. Polls ahead of the election suggested that neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot was assured of the 61 seats needed to form a government, raising the prospect of complex coalition talks.

Netanyahu warns of high Arab voter turnout, urges Likud supporters to vote in Israeli elections Netanyahu warns of Arab voter surge in Israel’s election; Arab leaders call tactic racist Netanyahu urges Likud voters to turn out as Israel election sees record-high early participation

Netanyahu highlighted long queues in Arab neighborhoods, posting an image of voters—including women in niqabs—waiting to cast ballots. He warned that without a “wake-up” among his base, the country could face a coalition “supported by the Arab parties.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the turnout level as “crazy” and urged supporters to vote for his Jewish Power party to keep Israel “Jewish and Zionist.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suspended his campaign on election day to convene an emergency meeting about the “unusually high” Arab turnout.

Netanyahu warns of Arab voter surge in Israel’s election; Arab leaders call tactic racist Netanyahu warns of high Arab voter turnout, urges Likud supporters to vote in Israeli elections Netanyahu urges Likud voters to turn out as Israel election sees record-high early participation

Arab politicians condemned Netanyahu’s rhetoric as racist and inflammatory. Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of the Balad party, called the messages from Netanyahu and his far-right allies “inciting” and celebrated the high turnout as a sign of democratic engagement.

Netanyahu warns of Arab voter surge in Israel’s election; Arab leaders call tactic racist

The elections committee reported that turnout reached 55.7 % within the first nine hours of voting—the fastest pace on record. Arab citizens, primarily of Palestinian heritage, make up about 21 % of the population, while Jewish Israelis account for the remainder.

Netanyahu warns of Arab voter surge in Israel’s election; Arab leaders call tactic racist

• “Buses are heading to the polling stations, and huge lines are being reported in Arab communities,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, israeli prime minister

Netanyahu warns of high Arab voter turnout, urges Likud supporters to vote in Israeli elections

• “At stake is the future of our Jewish state: a strong right-wing government or a left-wing government supported by the Arab parties,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, israeli prime minister

Netanyahu warns of high Arab voter turnout, urges Likud supporters to vote in Israeli elections