Arab Union Party Leader Mansour Abbas Seeks Government Role, Urges Joint List Accord
Dr. Mansour Abbas, head of the Arab Union Party (Ra'am), announced his party's readiness to participate in forming an alternative government to the current Israeli administration, emphasizing a strategy of "partnership and influence." Speaking after the party submitted its candidate list for the upcoming elections, Abbas called for an immediate agreement on surplus votes and a code of honor with the Joint List (a bloc of Arab parties) to prevent electoral infighting and foster broader Arab coordination post-election.
Abbas described the Union Party's candidate list as a blend of experienced politicians and new figures, representing diverse segments of Arab society. He stated that the party is prepared to bear the responsibility of direct participation in decision-making, contrasting it with the easier path of opposition. The party's objective, he explained, is to be a partner in a new government to implement practical solutions for the Arab community's issues. The candidate list was finalized through an internal election involving over a thousand party members and the executive committee.
Regarding the formation of the next government, Abbas noted the divided Israeli political landscape and suggested that increased Arab representation, potentially reaching 14-15 seats, could make the Arab Union Party a decisive factor in forming an alternative government. He believes securing six or seven seats would empower the party to ensure a change in government. Abbas asserted that the party possesses political capital and acceptance among significant segments of the opposition, enabling it to play an influential role.
Abbas also predicted that right-wing elements in Israel would systematically attempt to delegitimize the Arab Union Party due to its potential influence on government formation. He anticipates challenges at the Central Elections Committee but stated the party is legally and politically prepared, recalling a past instance where the Supreme Court rejected a bid to disqualify them. He stressed opposition to imposing new rules on Arab citizens that exclude them from political participation or deny their right to influence.
He reiterated the party's commitment to political partnership within the coalition and government, viewing it as essential for achieving tangible results on issues like halting home demolitions, combating crime, and securing government budgets for the Arab community. Abbas urged immediate signing of the surplus vote agreement and a code of honor with the Joint List, warning that delays could escalate electoral competition. He also proposed post-election coordination and cooperation between Arab parties, suggesting that even with one party in the coalition and another in opposition, complementarity rather than conflict would benefit the Arab community.
Abbas clarified that the core difference between the Union Party and other Arab parties lies in their political approach and methods of influence, not in their ultimate goals for the Arab society. He argued that decades of opposition work had not yielded radical change, leading the Union Party to pursue a strategy of political partnership within the government. While acknowledging the importance of field activism, he stressed that it cannot replace the necessity of political decisions made by the government and Knesset.
On the issue of sexual harassment, Abbas stated the Union Party distanced itself from internal party disputes but emphasized the seriousness of sexual harassment against women within the Arab community. He called for the establishment of trusted community frameworks, potentially modeled after the religious Jewish "Tzohar" or "Eitan" forums, to provide support and protection for women facing harassment, suggesting involvement of community leaders, religious figures, and professionals.
