Ex-MK Yoav Segalovitz Joins Arab Israeli Party Ra'am

Former Knesset member Yoav Segalovitz, who recently left the Yesh Atid party, announced on Monday his intention to join the United Arab List (Ra'am) party, led by Mansour Abbas. Segalovitz, a former police commissioner and deputy minister of interior, will be placed second on Ra'am's electoral list. In a joint statement with Abbas in Nazareth, Segalovitz declared his adherence to a "Zionist, Jewish, and value-based perception," citing the Declaration of Independence as his guide. He expressed belief in the possibility of political cooperation between diverse individuals, stating, "I am not going to change Mansour and Ra'am, and they will not change me, but we can cooperate politically based on trust, recognition of differences, and commitment to joint action."

Segalovitz acknowledged the "past baggage" and "bloody history" in Israeli-Arab relations but emphasized that leadership's role is to "change reality and create a better future." He asserted that "no correction can be made in the country without connection, including political connection," and aims to "break the paradigm of boundary lines and discourse lines, and how political partnerships are formed."

He clarified that he is joining Ra'am as an individual, not with a faction, viewing this as a source of strength. Segalovitz also refuted the notion that political partnership with Arab parties is impossible after the October 7th attacks, calling it "absurd and false." He stated that while fear is often used to unite political bases, his aim is to offer hope, focusing on shared goals like advancing Israeli society and addressing issues such as crime, health, and welfare.

The move comes as Ra'am seeks to include a Jewish candidate on its list to counter delegitimization efforts and is reportedly considering a name change to appeal to a wider audience. Segalovitz had previously informed Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid of his resignation from the Knesset, stating his desire to handle the potential move to Ra'am cleanly. Lapid acknowledged Segalovitz's service, praising his integrity and professionalism, and wished him success in his future endeavors.