Demonstrators gathered in several cities across Israel to urge the formation of a government that includes Arab parties, highlighting the ongoing political gridlock following Tuesday's national election. Thousands of people assembled at Habima Square in central Tel Aviv, where they carried signs with slogans such as "Through partnership and equality, we change the government" and "The people gave you their support — form a government now." The marchers eventually proceeded toward Rabin Square.
Similar protests were held at Paris Square in Jerusalem, the auditorium plaza in Haifa, across Beersheba, and at the Ras Amer junction near Tira and Tayibe. Participants in Tel Aviv and Haifa displayed signs featuring the numbers "67" and "53," referencing the parliamentary distribution following the recent vote. While factions opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 67 seats in the 120-member Knesset—comprising 48 seats for the Jewish "change bloc" and 19 for Arab parties—Netanyahu's right-wing alliance obtained 53 seats.
Despite this 67-seat majority, most leaders of the Zionist opposition parties have declined to form a governing coalition that relies on Arab lists. Consequently, the Jewish opposition factions are left with 48 seats, failing to reach the 61-seat threshold required for an absolute majority. Neither Netanyahu nor his rivals can currently build an administration without either Arab party support or defections across blocs. Both the United Arab List (Ra'am) and the Joint List have indicated their willingness to participate or facilitate a government to remove Netanyahu from office.
The protests were met with counter-demonstrations from hundreds of right-wing activists who gathered at Habima Square to oppose the inclusion of Arab parties. Chanting slogans like "Bibi is king of Israel" and "The people demand new elections," these activists sought to reject the proposed partnership. Although police established a separate perimeter, dozens of right-wing protesters entered the area designated for the pro-partnership demonstration.
