Former MK Yoav Segalovitz Joins Arab Party Ra'am, Sparking Political Reactions

Former Knesset member Yoav Segalovitz announced his decision to join the Arab party Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas, ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. Segalovitz, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Interior and Public Security under the Yesh Atid party and as a police commander, stated that his decision is driven by a Zionist ideology and that the Declaration of Independence serves as his compass.

His move marks a significant development, as he is the first Jewish Knesset member to join Ra'am. The unprecedented union has drawn varied reactions from across the political spectrum.

The Likud party issued a statement criticizing the move, asserting that Abbas does not recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations and advocates for a Palestinian state. They suggested that Segalovitz, along with figures like Benny Gantz and Avigdor Lieberman, aims to establish such a state.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared an image of Segalovitz and Abbas with the caption, "The partridge has gone to the crow," a Hebrew idiom implying a negative association. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana commented that Gantz would need Abbas's support for a coalition, and that Segalovitz's joining Ra'am serves to legitimize an Islamist party whose members cannot condemn Hamas as terrorists. Ohana warned that such a government would be unable to combat threats like Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran's nuclear program, urging voters to support the Likud party led by Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent it.

On the left, MK Gilad Kariv of the Labor party welcomed the union, calling Segalovitz and Abbas "brave individuals" and "friends." He stated that their move brings "good news" to both Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel, promising to work together for personal security, equality, prosperity, and hope for all Israelis.