Former MK Yoav Segalovitch Joins Arab Party Ra'am Ahead of Elections

Former Knesset Member Yoav Segalovitch has officially announced his joining of the Ra'am party, led by Mansour Abbas, for the upcoming Knesset elections. Segalovitch, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Interior and as a police commander, stated his decision stems from a Zionist and value-based perspective, viewing Israel's Declaration of Independence as his guiding principle. He emphasized a desire to collaborate based on trust and mutual respect for differences, aiming to break political paradigms and foster political partnership.

Segalovitch clarified that he is joining Ra'am as an individual, not with a faction, and refuted the notion that political partnership with Arab parties is impossible after the October 7th attacks. He argued that societal progress requires political connection. Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas welcomed Segalovitch, highlighting his professional expertise in combating crime and the necessity of inter-sectoral collaboration to address current challenges, particularly street crime.

Reactions from the political right have been sharp. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana suggested Segalovitch's move is intended to legitimize Ra'am's potential entry into a future government, questioning their ability to condemn Hamas. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir offered a more concise criticism, stating "the crow has gone to the raven." These criticisms follow recent controversies surrounding Abbas, including calls for a Palestinian state and reports alleging a disconnect between Ra'am's public discourse and a deeper Palestinian nationalist ideology linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and potentially terrorist organizations.

Further criticism came from MK Avihai Boaron and MK Tzvi Fogel, who called for Ra'am's disqualification from elections based on alleged systematic support for terrorism. Education Minister Yoav Kisch warned of the dangers of relying on Abbas, while MK Avi Maoz urged law enforcement to investigate Ra'am. Critics also directed their ire at figures like MK Gadi Eisenkot and others on the left, who are reportedly seeking to form a coalition that could include Ra'am, arguing that such alliances grant legitimacy and influence to a party with questionable ties.