Arab Israeli Lawmaker Defends Inclusion of Former MK in Party List

Walid Taha, a Member of Knesset for the Arab party Ra'am, has strongly criticized the "Triangle List" (Hadash, Balad, and Ta'al) for their objections to the inclusion of former MK Yoav Segalovitz in Ra'am's electoral slate. Taha accused the Triangle List of engaging in "ostracism, slander, and accusations of treason," urging them to focus instead on combating crime within the Arab community.

Taha explained that Segalovitz's addition to Ra'am's list is intended to prioritize the fight against crime, referencing his work in this area during the previous Bennett-Lapid government. He argued that critics should present practical plans for arms collection, crime fighting, and preventing protection rackets, rather than issuing "national certificates" of loyalty. Taha also questioned whether these critics would refuse to cooperate with Segalovitz if he were again tasked with addressing crime.

He clarified that Segalovitz's joining Ra'am does not alter his own political positions. Taha reaffirmed his commitment to the Islamic Movement, his membership in Ra'am, his support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and his loyalty to his identity. Taha also noted that this is likely his final term in the Knesset and he will be placed third on Ra'am's list.

Beyond inter-party disputes, Taha called for greater Arab citizen participation in the upcoming elections, stating that the responsibility for changing reality lies not only with the parties but with every Arab citizen. He also sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, calling it a "criminal gang" and urging a vote to prevent them from forming the next government, deeming it a "national, religious, civil, moral, and political responsibility."