Warning bell for Arab parties - elections in Israeli embassies as an indicator

The article analyzes the results of early voting in Israeli embassies (87% turnout) and considers it an indicator of fierce competition in the Knesset elections, warning of its impact on the Arab vote which aims to raise its rate to 70%, while addressing right-wing efforts to suppress the Arab vote.

Knesset elections were held in Israeli embassies and missions on October 15, with a turnout of 86.7% (4,218 out of 4,863 voters in 99 embassies), up 17.1% from the 2022 elections. The author sees this high rate as an indicator of Israeli interest in the elections and real competition between the Netanyahu and opposition camps. He notes that political appointments affect the diplomatic corps, and that the embassy vote will be counted later. In contrast, the Arab vote aims to raise turnout from 53% to about 70%, which could translate into 14-15 seats. However, the author warns that a 20% increase in Jewish voting may limit the impact of the Arab vote, and of right-wing plans to suppress the Arab vote by sending observers from the 'Hilltop Youth' militias. It also addresses Trump's support for Netanyahu and Gantz's withdrawal, and sees high chances of the right disrupting the Arab vote.