Joint List Submits Knesset Slate, Vows to Oust Netanyahu Government

The Joint List alliance submitted its list of candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections on Tuesday, officially launching its campaign. The alliance, comprising the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash), Ta'al, and the National Democratic Alliance (Balad), was formed in response to public demand for unity among Arab political forces during a critical period for the Arab community and the Palestinian people.

The Joint List stated that it represents broad unity among the Arab public and Jewish democratic forces. The alliance aims to transform the Arab community's electoral and political weight into a tangible force capable of influencing the balance of power and becoming the decisive factor in toppling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The group emphasized that removing Netanyahu, Bezalel Smotrich, and Itamar Ben-Gvir is a top priority, citing the current government's alleged escalation of home demolitions, rising crime and violence in the Arab community, increased racism and political persecution, as well as intensified incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and efforts to divide it.

The alliance also highlighted its opposition to the war in Gaza, settlement expansion, and displacement policies in the West Bank. It asserted that any political support for an alternative government would not be unconditional, and would depend on the government's commitment to addressing key issues for the Arab community and the Palestinian people, including halting home demolitions, implementing fair planning policies for Arab towns, seriously tackling crime, ending incursions into Al-Aqsa, ceasing the war in Gaza, stopping annexation and displacement in the West Bank, and opening a political path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

Professor Yousef Jabareen, head of the Joint List, stated that the alliance's return offers a real opportunity to strengthen the political and parliamentary power of the Arab community. He added that a strong Joint List can bring down the current government, combat violence and crime, confront discriminatory policies, and contribute to ending the occupation and achieving a just peace. Dr. Ahmad Tibi emphasized that the unified list responds to the aspirations of the people and that every vote is a force to remove Ben-Gvir and his racist approach. Sami Abu Shehadeh stressed that unity is crucial for the upcoming elections, describing every vote for the Joint List as a direct tool to change the "fascist government" and the "genocidal government."