Arab Parties Finalize Knesset Lists as Deadline Looms

The deadline for submitting lists for the 26th Knesset elections has passed, concluding two days of intense political activity. Several parties underwent internal reshuffles, some withdrew from the race, and the final compositions of Arab slates were determined. The process began Monday at the Knesset, overseen by Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, head of the Central Elections Committee. By the end of the first day, 18 lists had been submitted, though final approval is pending legal review of names, symbols, and requested letters.

The Joint List submitted its slate for the 26th Knesset elections on Tuesday. The list, led by Yousef Jabareen, is a re-formation of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, Balad, and Ta'al parties, which reunited in August. Recent changes included the Front suspending Jaafar Farah's candidacy for the second position, replacing him with Faten Ghattas.

The United Arab List had submitted its list on Monday, led by Mansour Abbas. Prominent figures on their slate include Yoav Segalovitch in the second position, Walid Taha in third, along with Walid Al-Hwashleh, Iman Khatib Yassin, Yasser Hijrat, and Ibrahim Al-Touri.

The submission of these two major Arab lists clarifies the landscape for Arab representation in the upcoming Knesset elections, as they will compete separately. In a significant development, the "Akeid L'Kulam" (Everyone Has a Place) party announced it would not contest the elections. The party stated its decision was made out of responsibility and prioritizing the public interest over party interests, aiming to avoid potentially wasting votes that could contribute to the current right-wing government remaining in power. The party will instead focus on increasing voter turnout in both Arab and Jewish communities, particularly in low-participation areas, to help bring about a change in government. "Akeid L'Kulam" emphasized that its withdrawal from the electoral race does not mean an end to its political activity, and it intends to continue building an independent Arab-Jewish political alternative.