Jerusalem:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called upon supporters of his Likud party to vote in the country's general elections, expressing concern over high voter turnout in Arab communities and the potential formation of a left-wing government supported by Arab parties.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of the situation on social media platform X, noting that buses were transporting voters to polling stations in Arab areas and that significant lines were forming. He warned that right-wing voters were not mobilizing in comparable numbers and stressed the importance of voting to prevent a government led by Arab parties.

Netanyahu made an "emergency appeal" to Likud supporters, urging them to ensure that their friends, relatives, and neighbors cast their votes. He underscored the stakes of the election, describing it as a choice between a strong right-wing government and a left-wing government supported by Arab parties.

As Israelis voted to elect the 120-member Knesset, Netanyahu aimed to retain his position against the opposition spearheaded by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. Pre-election opinion polls suggested that neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition had a guaranteed path to the 61 seats needed for a majority, which could lead to complex coalition negotiations.

Arab parties, representing around 20% of Israel's population, have indicated readiness to support an Eisenkot-led government without formally joining it. Their support hinges on addressing issues faced by Arab citizens, such as stopping home demolitions, reducing crime, and engaging in political discussions with Palestinians. Eisenkot has not publicly accepted this proposal and has previously ruled out forming a coalition with Arab parties.