Ex-Deputy Minister Yoav Segalovich Joins Arab Party Ra'am Ahead of Elections

Former Deputy Minister for Internal Security, Yoav Segalovich, has officially joined the Arab political party Ra'am, the party announced Monday. Segalovich will be placed second on Ra'am's list for the upcoming elections, in a move described as a technical alliance. He will not become a party member, and Ra'am's charter and decision-making processes will remain unchanged.

Segalovich is expected to maintain freedom of vote on issues such as religion and state, security, and LGBTQ+ rights, while also promoting a national-civil service framework for the Arab community. Ra'am is not seeking a specific ministerial portfolio for him but rather a role as a "project manager" to combat crime and violence. Segalovich will emphasize his identity as a proud Israeli, Zionist, and Jew, stating the move stems from a belief in Jewish-Arab partnership.

Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas stated that civil partnership is necessary for change and that Ra'am is not afraid of it. He highlighted his past work with Segalovich in the previous "government of change" to combat crime in the Arab sector. Abbas framed the decision as a choice to return to government and continue the fight against crime with Segalovich, calling it a serious, though not easy, decision.

Segalovich acknowledged the complex history between Jews and Arabs but expressed belief in a shared future, guided by a "value-based, Jewish, Zionist" perspective and the Declaration of Independence. He believes political cooperation is possible between diverse individuals based on trust and mutual recognition, aiming to break down barriers in discourse and political partnership. He explicitly stated he is joining Ra'am personally, not as part of a faction, and refuted the notion that political partnership with Arab parties is impossible after October 7th.

The move drew mixed reactions. MK Gilad Kariv of the Democrats welcomed the initiative as good news for all Israeli citizens and praised the courage of both men. However, the Likud party criticized the move, stating that Abbas does not recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terror organizations and supports a Palestinian state, accusing Segalovich and others of aiming to establish such a state. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a photo of Abbas and Segalovich in keffiyehs with the caption, "The partridge has gone to the crow."

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, Segalovich's former colleague from Yesh Atid, stated he believes Segalovich is mistaken in joining Ra'am but respects him for acting on his convictions. Sources in the "change bloc" had suggested the move might be intended to separate Ra'am from other Arab parties, potentially for future coalition inclusion. Segalovich, 67, previously headed the Police Investigations Department and served as Deputy Minister for Internal Security in the Bennett-Lapid government, where he led efforts against crime in the Arab community, a program later canceled by Minister Ben-Gvir.