Four political parties that mostly represent the so-called ’Israel’s Arab’ minority have decided to run together in elections on March 17, creating a potential counter-weight to Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah.

Four political parties that mostly represent the so-called 'Israel's Arab' minority have decided to run together in elections on March 17, creating a potential counter-weight to Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies.

Opinion polls suggest the united Arab list could secure 11 seats in the 120-seat parliament, around the same level as they hold individually but with their political influence increased.

The four parties include Raam (United Arab List), Taal (Arab Movement for Renewal), Balad (National Democratic Assembly)and Arab-Jewish party Hadash (Democratic Front for Peace and Equality).

Raam lawmaker Masud Ganaim said the list was united in its support for Palestinian statehood and concern about Netanyahu's efforts to enshrine Jewish statehood in law.

"The Arab community in Israel wants us all to join forces, so we can have more influence and challenge the Netanyahu government's racist and Judaizing policies," he told Reuters.

Ganaim said his four-party list may back Labour leader Isaac Herzog and former Justice Minister Tzipi.

"It is being considered," he added. "We think the political map will shift toward the centre-left, and in such a situation we will have an important role. We would tilt the balance."

Arabs, mostly Muslim, make up 20 percent of population in the occupied territories. Ganaim said some 55 percent of them take part in national elections, with more than 80 percent of votes going to Arab parties while a minority back mainstream Zionist parties.

Balad leader Jamal Zahalka deemed the four-party list a rebuke to ultra-nationalist Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who has sought to sideline Arab politicians he deems disloyal to the entity.

"Those who didn't want Arab parties to have 10 seats in parliament will see them get 15," Zahalka told Israelradio.

Lieberman's 'Israel Beitenu' (Israel is Our Home) party, hit by corruption probes and high-profile resignations, is seen taking around 6 parliamentary seats - down from its current 12.