Israel cannot promote democracy while sidelining Arab voters - opinion

Former Irish minister Alan Shatter argues that Israeli politicians' marginalization of Arab voters undermines Israeli democracy and aids its adversaries. He notes that 21% of Israelis are Arab, yet major parties do not court their vote and often use alienating rhetoric. Shatter warns this could lead to a tied election and instability, and suggests higher Arab turnout may force a post-election change in perspective.

In an opinion piece published in The Jerusalem Post on October 25, 2026, former Irish minister Alan Shatter argues that Israeli politicians' marginalization of Arab voters undermines Israeli democracy and provides ammunition to Israel's adversaries. Shatter notes that while 21% of Israeli citizens are Arab, most major political parties do not court their vote and often use alienating rhetoric. He criticizes the exclusion of Arab parties from government coalitions, citing polls showing a majority of Jewish Israelis oppose their inclusion. Shatter warns that this stance could lead to a tied election and further political instability. He highlights Ra'am's inclusion of a Jewish candidate, Yoav Segalovitz, a former Yesh Atid MK and police major-general, as a notable development. The piece suggests that higher Arab voter turnout may force a change in perspective after the elections.