After petitions from members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, the Central Elections Committee barred several major Arab parties from next month’s election. The Supreme Court is widely expected to overturn the decision. The move underscores deep domestic political divisions ahead of the Oct. 27 vote and signals an escalation by hard‑line nationalist politicians in portraying Arab citizens as security threats; centrist and left Jewish figures, including Yair Golan, have urged high Arab turnout

After petitions from members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, the Central Elections Committee barred several major Arab parties from next month’s election. The Supreme Court is widely expected to overturn the decision. The move underscores deep domestic political divisions ahead of the Oct. 27 vote and signals an escalation by hard‑line nationalist politicians in portraying Arab citizens as security threats; centrist and left Jewish figures, including Yair Golan, have urged high Arab turnout, warning low participation would help Netanyahu secure another term.