Arab Union Party Leader Rules Out Coalition With Netanyahu
Mansour Abbas, head of the Arab Union Party, has stated that his party will not join a coalition government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Instead, the party aims to participate in forming a new "change government." Abbas made these remarks in an interview with i24NEWS, discussing the recent addition of Yoav Segalovitch to his party and its political goals.
Abbas described Segalovitch's joining as a "very important step," particularly in light of challenges facing the Arab community, including racism, organized violence, and a lack of rule of law. He emphasized that the Arab Union Party is pursuing a political project based on "partnership and influence" to strengthen its position and build bridges with the Jewish community, thereby impacting the Israeli political landscape.
Regarding relations with other Arab parties, Abbas expressed openness to cooperation with the Joint List, stating, "Our hand is extended to our brothers in the Joint List to cooperate, to coordinate, while preserving pluralism and different approaches." However, he criticized the failure to form a unified Arab list, noting that his party had attempted for over a year and a half to establish coordination mechanisms without success.
Abbas highlighted three key benefits of Segalovitch's recruitment: enhancing the party's chances of joining a future coalition, strengthening its standing within both Arab and Jewish communities, and countering what he termed "fascist racism and incitement" from the Israeli right. He views Segalovitch's move as a practical response to these campaigns.
Abbas firmly rejected the possibility of his party joining a government led by Netanyahu, recalling the Arab Union Party's role in the previous "change government" that ousted Netanyahu. He indicated that the party's strategy is to work towards forming a new change government to replace Netanyahu's.
Addressing potential reservations from Israeli political figures about the Arab Union Party's participation in a future government, Abbas urged observers to interpret such statements within the context of the upcoming elections. He suggested that the party's final stance will depend on the post-election balance of power and the number of seats it secures, potentially positioning itself as a "complementary bloc" if opposition parties fall short.
