Politics in Israel Before the Election

May 5, 2026, 18:10
Middle EastPolitics

Introduction

Political leaders in Israel are fighting. They disagree about which parties can join the government.

Main Body

The government needs 61 seats to win. The opposition has about 60 seats. Prime Minister Netanyahu has about 50 seats. The opposition needs help from Arab parties to win. Some leaders are very angry. Minister Smotrich says Arab parties are bad for the country. Mansour Abbas says the current government is very bad and must leave. Gadi Eisenkot is the leader of the Yashar! party. He is adding new people to his team. Yoram Cohen is one new member. Cohen says Netanyahu used secret police for his own goals. Many peace groups are worried. They say the government must work with Arab leaders. They believe this is the only way to have peace with Palestinians.

Conclusion

Israel's politics are not stable. The opposition is getting stronger, but the government refuses to work with Arab parties.

Learning

🚩 The 'Power' Word: MUST

In this text, we see a word used when something is not a choice, but a requirement: Must.

How to use it: Person/Group + must + Action

Examples from the text:

  • The government must leave.
  • The government must work with Arab leaders.

💡 Simple Contrast: Good vs. Bad

To reach A2, you need to describe opinions simply. Look at how the text describes people:

  • Positive/Needed: Stronger→Help\text{Stronger} \rightarrow \text{Help}
  • Negative/Problem: Bad→Angry→Worried\text{Bad} \rightarrow \text{Angry} \rightarrow \text{Worried}

Quick Rule: When you want to say something is a problem, use "is bad for..."

  • Example: "The weather is bad for the party."
  • Text Example: "Arab parties are bad for the country."

🔢 Counting & Winning

Notice how the text uses numbers to show power:

  • 61 seats →\rightarrow Win
  • 60 seats →\rightarrow Almost win
  • 50 seats →\rightarrow Need help

Vocabulary Learning

political (adj.)
Relating to politics or government.
Example:The political debate was intense.
leaders (n.)
People who lead or command.
Example:Leaders from different parties met.
fighting (v.)
Engaging in a fight or argument.
Example:The leaders are fighting over policies.
disagree (v.)
To have a different opinion.
Example:They disagree about which parties should join.
parties (n.)
Groups that represent people in politics.
Example:Several parties are competing for seats.
join (v.)
To become part of a group.
Example:The party will join the coalition.
government (n.)
The group that runs a country.
Example:The government needs 61 seats.
needs (v.)
Requires something.
Example:The government needs help.
seats (n.)
Positions in a legislative body.
Example:The opposition has about 60 seats.
win (v.)
To be victorious.
Example:They hope to win the election.
opposition (n.)
Group that opposes the government.
Example:The opposition is gaining strength.
help (n.)
Assistance or aid.
Example:The opposition needs help from Arab parties.
angry (adj.)
Feeling or showing anger.
Example:Some leaders are very angry.
Minister (n.)
Official in charge of a ministry.
Example:Minister Smotrich criticized the parties.
bad (adj.)
Of poor quality or harmful.
Example:Arab parties are bad for the country.
country (n.)
A nation or state.
Example:The country faces political turmoil.
current (adj.)
Present or happening now.
Example:The current government is being criticized.
leave (v.)
To exit or depart.
Example:He must leave the position.
leader (n.)
Person who leads.
Example:Gadi Eisenkot is the leader of the Yashar party.
adding (v.)
Including or adding.
Example:He is adding new people to his team.
people (n.)
Individuals or persons.
Example:New people joined the team.
team (n.)
Group working together.
Example:His team is growing.
member (n.)
Person belonging to a group.
Example:Yoram Cohen is one new member.
secret (adj.)
Hidden or confidential.
Example:He used secret police.
police (n.)
Law enforcement officers.
Example:Secret police were used.
goals (n.)
Objectives or aims.
Example:He had his own goals.
peace (n.)
Absence of war or conflict.
Example:Peace groups are worried.
groups (n.)
Collective entities.
Example:Many peace groups are worried.
worried (adj.)
Concerned or anxious.
Example:They are worried about conflict.
work (v.)
To perform tasks or duties.
Example:The government must work with Arab leaders.
believe (v.)
To accept as true.
Example:They believe this is the only way.
only (adj.)
Just or sole.
Example:This is the only way to peace.
way (n.)
Method or manner.
Example:The only way is cooperation.
have (v.)
To possess or own.
Example:We have to work together.
Palestinians (n.)
People from Palestine.
Example:They want peace with Palestinians.
stable (adj.)
Not changing or steady.
Example:Israel's politics are not stable.
stronger (adj.)
More powerful or robust.
Example:The opposition is getting stronger.
refuses (v.)
Declines to do something.
Example:The government refuses to work with Arab parties.
election (n.)
Process of voting to choose leaders.
Example:The election is coming soon.
prime (adj.)
First or most important.
Example:Prime Minister Netanyahu.
minister (n.)
Official in charge of a ministry.
Example:The minister spoke.
Netanyahu (n.)
Name of a person.
Example:Prime Minister Netanyahu has about 50 seats.