Palestinian Authority Pressured Arab Parties to Reunite Joint List to Oppose Netanyahu

Senior Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), exerted significant pressure on leaders of the Arab parties Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad to reunite and reestablish the Joint List. These efforts were aimed at consolidating the Arab vote to prevent Benjamin Netanyahu from returning to power, according to a report published on August 29, 2026, by Hadashot HaShavua. The negotiations primarily focused on persuading Ta'al chairman and Knesset member Ahmad Tibi to accept a compromise on the distribution of mandates within the list after talks had stalled.

The discussions took place in Ramallah, where PA officials urged the Arab party leaders not to repeat past mistakes that could enable Netanyahu's comeback, emphasizing the historic opportunity for the Palestinian people. The agreed-upon arrangement places Hadash leader Yousef Jabareen first on the list, followed by Tibi and then Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh. Notably, the alliance excludes the Ra'am party led by Mansour Abbas, with the stated goal of increasing voter turnout among the Arab community.

Following the announcement, Abu Shehadeh told N12 that although the Joint List's reformation was delayed, it is based on a clear agenda and prior cooperation. He stressed that Balad will not serve as a "tool" for any prime ministerial candidate and aims to build a serious democratic alternative that safeguards their community, opposing both Netanyahu and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. A recent News 12 poll showed the Joint List with seven mandates, while Ra'am holds four.

Representatives of the Joint List responded that the decision to reunite was made for the benefit of the Arab public and their request, asserting their commitment to doing everything possible to prevent Netanyahu's return, regardless of external pressures.