Between Coalition Partnership and Joint List: The Disputes in Arab Politics Ahead of the Elections

At a conference marking 23 years of Radio A-Shams, representatives of Arab parties and the opposition discussed partnership in the next government, unification of Arab parties, civil service, and the political status of Arab society. The disagreements are sharpening ahead of the elections.

At a conference marking 23 years of Radio A-Shams, held under the title 'Between the Only Democracy in the Middle East and a Reality of 'Only Without Arabs'', representatives of Arab parties and the opposition gathered to discuss the place of Arab society in Israeli politics ahead of the elections. The main disputes revolved around three issues: the possibility of joining the next coalition, forming a joint list of Arab parties, and civil service. Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas attacked the claim that opposition parties are unwilling to sit with Arabs, saying 'no one will determine our place in politics.' He called for entering the political arena and creating dialogue. In contrast, Hadash chairman Yosef Jabareen emphasized that influence is not only through coalition, recalling external support like in 1992. Balad chairman Sami Abu-Shahadeh presented a vision of equal democracy for all residents of the country. On the question of a joint list, Abbas ruled out such a possibility due to strategic differences, while Jabareen committed to working for its establishment until the last day for submitting lists. Abu-Shahadeh updated on discussions in the 'Reconciliation Committee' between Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad. From the Jewish opposition, MK Ram Ben-Barak (Yesh Atid) admitted that 'we allowed extremist and fascist parties to be in the government' and called for correcting this, emphasizing the need for a Zionist majority but not necessarily without additional partners. Yair Pink (The Democrats) called for full equality in infrastructure, education, and health. The conference also dealt with civil service: Abbas demanded equality also within Arab society, while Jabareen argued that the discourse cannot be reduced to a 'covenant of servants.' Public activists called for increasing voter turnout and formulating a new strategy.