Israel’s election Oct. 27 saw a stunning endorsement of the country’s democracy – by its Arab citizens. Making up about a fifth of the population, this often neglected and reviled minority turned out in record numbers to vote – close to an estimated 80%. As a result, Arab-led political parties won an unprecedented number of seats, or 19 out of 120 in parliament, the Knesset.

With no Jewish parties winning a clear majority, “the future of Israel now depends on its Arab citizens and on the attitude of its Jewish citizens toward its Arab ones,” declared one Jewish commentator, Gideon Levy, in Haaretz.

“The Arab citizens of Israel have become, for the first time in their history, a part of the state of Israel.”

Just how many Arab politicians will become influential in a new government remains to be seen. Political horse-trading among Jewish parties to form a ruling coalition could take several months and, if unsuccessful, lead to a new election.…