Arabs are partners only when their votes are needed
Rouya Handkolo argues in an opinion piece that the political camp calling itself liberal speaks of equality but is quick to set boundaries when it comes to partnership with Arab parties. According to her, Jewish politicians are judged by a test of political utility, while Arab politicians face a test of ideological purity, and she calls this hypocrisy.
Rouya Handkolo argues in an opinion piece that the political camp calling itself "liberal" and "democratic" speaks of equality and change but is quick to set boundaries when it comes to partnership with Arab parties. According to her, statements are made that no government relying on Arab parties will be formed, as if partnership with them is a flaw. She compares the treatment of Avigdor Lieberman, considered a legitimate partner in the change camp, to the treatment of Arab parties perceived as a "problem." Handkolo notes that Jewish politicians are judged by a test of political utility, while Arab politicians face a test of ideological purity, and she calls this hypocrisy. She mentions the Ra'am party's experience in the previous coalition as a turning point and Professor Yosef Jabareen's "safety net" statement as evidence of change. The article criticizes the Democrats party's conduct regarding the Sami Abu Shahada affair and questions the protesters against the judicial overhaul about their absence from protests against home demolitions and police violence. Handkolo calls on Arab citizens to vote in large numbers and exercise their civic power, and on Arab parties to show maturity and responsibility. She concludes that replacing a government does not necessarily mean deep change, and that the true test of the liberal camp will be the day after the elections.