Talks to Reestablish the Joint List: Ahmad Tibi Rejects Proposed Framework

The reconciliation committee between the Arab factions convened today in an attempt to reestablish the Joint List. Hadash and Balad approved the proposal, but Ta'al chairman MK Ahmad Tibi rejected the framework and demands a place in the second five instead of the ninth spot. The dispute is delaying the renewal of the partnership.

The reconciliation committee between the Arab factions convened today (Sunday) in an attempt to reach agreements on reestablishing the Joint List. Hadash and Balad approved the proposal brought before them, but the talks hit a crisis after Ta'al chairman MK Ahmad Tibi rejected the new framework. According to the proposal, Ta'al was supposed to receive the second, ninth, and twelfth spots, but Tibi demands a place at the beginning of the second five instead of one of Hadash's spots. The central dispute is delaying the renewal of the partnership. The parties dispersed and are expected to continue talks to bridge the gaps. In a public opinion poll published last February, 82% of the Arab public supported the establishment of the Joint List, and Yousef Jabareen and Ahmad Tibi received identical support of 23% each for the leadership of the list.