Jerusalem:Israel's recent parliamentary election has seen significant shifts in the country's political dynamics, marked by the highest voter turnout since 1999 and emerging new alliances among opposition parties. Nearly 5.7 million voters participated, reflecting a renewed mobilization across various demographics, including Palestinian citizens.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the predominantly Arab parties are projected to win 17 seats, potentially surpassing their previous parliamentary record. This election has highlighted divisions over military service and pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox and far-right partners, reshaping Israel's coalition politics.

With 84.5% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc was projected to secure 54 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of a governing majority. Meanwhile, the opposition bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is expected to win 49 seats. The election is considered pivotal in determining Israel's political trajectory amid ongoing conflicts, including tensions in Gaza and with Iran.

Voter participation reached 77.7%, the highest since 1999, demonstrating a significant increase from the 70.6% turnout in 2022. This rise in participation comes after years of political instability and repeated elections. The military also reported a 79.9% turnout among soldiers, indicating high engagement across different sectors.

Arab-led parties, including the Joint List and United Arab List (Ra'am), are projected to surpass their previous record of 15 seats. This would mark a significant achievement for these parties, which currently hold 10 seats in the outgoing Knesset. High turnout was reported in Arab communities, with local participation figures reaching as high as 86.8% in some areas.

Ra'am has notably included a Jewish former lawmaker, Yoav Segalovitz, on its candidate list, signaling efforts to broaden its constituency. This move represents a new form of Jewish-Arab partnership within the party. The Joint List also launched a Hebrew-language campaign to attract Jewish voters, reflecting a strategy of reaching across traditional divides.

Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox allies, Shas and United Torah Judaism, face potential losses, with early exit polls suggesting a reduction in their combined seats. This comes amid disputes over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, a contentious issue in Israeli politics.

The election also underscores a shift from traditional left-wing dominance to a more fragmented political center, with various centrist parties and leaders emerging as key players. The participation of young voters, who experienced the pandemic and recent political upheavals, further complicates the political landscape, with many not aligning strictly with Netanyahu despite identifying as right-wing.