This Jewish ex-cop will represent an Islamist party in Israel’s newly elected parliament

Yoav Segalovitz, a former Jewish police officer, will represent the Arab-led Islamist party Ra'am in Israel's Knesset after it won eight seats in Tuesday's election. Segalovitz left a centrist Jewish-led party to join Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, aiming to show Jewish-Arab political cooperation. Arab-led parties won 19 seats total and could be decisive in forming a government. Netanyahu's party won the most votes but weakened, and has spread unsubstantiated claims of election theft by Arab parties. Segalovitz and Abbas argue their partnership offers a vision for inclusion, while right-wing critics call it a betrayal.

Yoav Segalovitz, a 67-year-old former Jewish police officer, will be seated in the Knesset as a member of Ra'am, an Arab-led Islamist party that won eight seats in Tuesday's election. Segalovitz left a centrist Jewish-led party to join Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, aiming to demonstrate that Jews and Arabs can build political coalitions across divides. Arab-led parties won an unprecedented 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset and could play a decisive role in forming a government if Jewish-led opposition parties are willing to partner with them. Right-wing critics, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party, have attacked Ra'am, with Netanyahu warning that his rival Gadi Eisenkot would partner with Abbas. Netanyahu's party has spread unsubstantiated claims that the election was stolen by Arab parties. Eisenkot has set conditions for Arab-led parties, including recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and declaring Hamas a terrorist organization. Abbas has acknowledged Israel as a Jewish state and condemned Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, but sidestepped labeling Hamas a terrorist organization. Segalovitz and Abbas argue their partnership offers a different vision for Israel's future. Arab citizens make up over 20% of Israel's population, many feeling marginalized. Segalovitz and Abbas will be sworn in on November 10.