MKs from the Balad and Hadash parties, which are both primarily Arab, are considering abstaining from the presidential elections in the Knesset on Wednesday. The two parties have a total of six MKs.

Political analysts said Monday that a decision by Balad and Hadash not to vote would hurt the chances of Kadima candidate Shimon Peres. Peres is facing off against Reuven Rivlin of Likud and Colette Avital of Labor.