The lie of apartheid: The 2026 Israel election is a display of the country's diversity - opinion

Gil Hoffman argues that the 2026 Israeli election, with Arab parties potentially joining the coalition, disproves the apartheid accusation. He cites Arab judges, voting rights, and the possible formation of a new Arab party as evidence. He criticizes Zohran Mamdani's use of the term and predicts the election will bury the myth.

Gil Hoffman, former chief political correspondent of The Jerusalem Post, argues that the upcoming October 27, 2026 Israeli election will bury the apartheid myth. He contrasts Israel's democracy, where Arab citizens vote and hold office, with apartheid South Africa. He highlights Arab judges sentencing Jewish leaders, and the potential for Arab parties to decide the election outcome. He notes Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas's willingness to join a coalition to oust Netanyahu, and polls showing Ra'am gaining seats. He also mentions Yoseph Hadad, an Arab IDF veteran, possibly forming a new party. Hoffman concludes that such developments make the apartheid accusation untenable.