Israeli right makes provocative statements as election votes are counted

Netanyahu and Smotrich incite against Arab voters as rival political camps face an uncertain path to power.Published On 28 Oct 202628 Oct 2026Senior figures on Israel’s right have made a series of provocative statements about Arab voters, alleged attempts to steal the election and plans to establish Jewish settlements in Gaza.The remarks came during Tuesday’s election and after exit polls suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing alliance had suffered a setback.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Netanyahu outlines achievements, future plans as Likud leads Israeli pollslist 2 of 2Mahmoud Khalil credits Palestinian activism for reshaping US politicsend of listWith neither major political camp securing a clear majority, Arab-led parties could play an important role in deciding who forms the next government.Speaking early on Wednesday at his far-right Religious Zionism party’s election headquarters in Jerusalem, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed opposition celebrations and promised to preserve the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.He said his political opponents would not reverse t...