Hadash-Ta’al party leaders at their headquarters in the northern town of Shefaram, as the results of the Israeli general elections are announced, November 1, 2022. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)
The concern raised last week about the emergence of far-right parties in the Israeli elections sadly seems to be coming to fruition, and according to exit polling Netanyahu may also secure a thin majority. This could allow him to form Government and rely on support from the far-right Religious Zionist party which as predicted by last weeks polls seem to be heading to win about 14 or more seats.
None of this is good news for the Progressive movement and those with centrist views looking for a pluralist society with rights in relation to religious life events.
Interestingly, according to media reports, exit polls are also showing that two of the three Arab parties may win enough votes to enter the Knesset, with the third party just below the threshold for a seat. These parties, which attracted a higher voter turnout than last election, would oppose far-right legislation and extremist policies in the Knesset.
However, it should be remembered that exit polls are not always accurate. So again, we wait and see what emerges from the real count.
Helen Shardey OAM
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President