Story perspectives

Netanyahu may form coalition with Ra'am’s Mansour Abbas

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Story summary

Summary

Arab parties became kingmakers after Israel's election produced no bloc with 61 seats.
Ra'am, linked to the Southern Branch of the Islamic Movement, demands Arab town budgets and tougher crime action.
Opinion pieces say Netanyahu may invite Mansour Abbas, citing halachic view that cooperating Arabs could become ger toshav.
They argue a Bibi-Abbas coalition would sideline the Joint List and signal Israeli sovereignty to the region.

History

In the 17 May 1977 election, Likud under Menachem Begin won a plurality, ending almost three decades of Alignment rule in what broadcasters called the “Mahapach.” Voter turnout reached 79%, and the Arab-Israeli party Progress and Development secured three of 120 Knesset seats (2.5% of the vote), showing how small factions could sway coalition policy.

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In the 17 May 1977 election, Likud under Menachem Begin won a plurality, ending almost three decades of Alignment rule in what broadcasters called the “Mahapach.” Voter turnout reached 79%, and the Arab-Israeli party Progress and Development secured three of 120 Knesset seats (2.5% of the vote), showing how small factions could sway coalition policy.

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