With "thanks" to Ben Gvir and Smotrich: How the Arab sector is preparing for the elections

A field report from Tamra reveals the Arab sector's preparations for the 2026 elections, with a union of Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad alongside Ra'am running independently. Residents note that protest against the government and the racism attributed to Ben Gvir and Smotrich is increasing motivation to vote. Alongside this, there are voices calling to vote for Zionist parties like Gadi Eisenkot.

A field report from Channel 14 in Tamra describes the Arab sector's preparations for the 2026 elections. The sector presents a complex picture: three parties—Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad—have united into one list, while Ra'am of Mansour Abbas runs independently. Many residents note that protest against the current government, and particularly against ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, is a central factor increasing motivation to vote. Tha'er Younes cynically declares this is "an excellent platform to say thank you to Ben Gvir and Smotrich who strengthen us Arabs with all their racism to go to the polls and vote." Adel Diab, an activist in Abbas's party, calls voting "revenge for the racism that has been implemented" and expresses hope that Abbas will be a coalition partner. Alongside this, the report also presents other voices: Atef and Fouad al-Masri, a father and son who were previously active in Likud, now support Gadi Eisenkot, whom they describe as "a person with transparency and credibility." Muhammad, a bus driver from Jerusalem, says he would vote for the left or for Ahmad Tibi. The report reflects the tension between a desire for integration and political protest.