Segalovich on talks with Abbas: 'This is the Zionist move that will strengthen the bloc'

Talks between MK Yoav Segalovich and Mansour Abbas are progressing, and a meeting between them is expected tomorrow. Segalovich said that the connection between Ra'am and himself is 'the most Zionist move one can make,' and that it could provide the missing votes needed to replace the government. He acknowledged understanding the public's reluctance after October 7, but argued that the main goal is replacing the government. The meeting will discuss ideological gaps, mainly on LGBTQ rights.

Talks between MK Yoav Segalovich and Mansour Abbas, chairman of Ra'am, are progressing, and tomorrow the two are expected to meet to discuss the details of the plan. Segalovich, who recently resigned from the Knesset from 'Yesh Atid,' said in conversations with members of the political system that 'the connection between Ra'am and myself is the most Zionist move one can make, a connection between the Arab public that seeks to take part in the State of Israel and a Zionist element from within the bloc.' He argued that joining Abbas could provide the missing votes needed to replace the government and establish a new one. Segalovich admitted that he understands the public's reluctance to a political connection with Ra'am after October 7, but emphasized that the main goal now is replacing the government. In his view, his presence within the connection could make it easier for bloc voters to accept a constellation in which Ra'am would allow the formation of a government. The main idea is a technical connection between the two, not Segalovich joining as a member of the party. The planned meeting will also raise ideological gaps, mainly on LGBTQ rights: Ra'am opposes these rights, while Segalovich supports them and wants freedom of voting on these issues. Segalovich, a retired police superintendent, enjoys a status of respect among the Arab public due to his activity in the fight against crime during the Bennett-Lapid government, when he served as Deputy Minister of Internal Security.