Bedouin Leaders Deny Endorsing Benny Gantz, Emphasize Need for Government Change

Muayyad Heib, head of the Toura Al-Zangariya local council, has refuted claims that Bedouin local authority heads in northern Israel have declared their full support for Benny Gantz or his Yachad party. Heib clarified that a statement suggesting such endorsement was inaccurate and not coordinated with the leaders.

He explained that the presence of some local authority heads at an event with Gantz does not automatically signify an electoral endorsement. Instead, their common stance is the necessity of changing the current government and removing what he described as "racist right-wing currents" from decision-making positions. Bedouin leaders believe in change but see it as supporting parties with political visions conducive to government transformation, rather than offering unconditional backing to Gantz.

Heib articulated his political position, emphasizing the Arab community's need to be part of the decision-making process in the next government. He argued that remaining in opposition does not serve the community's current needs. He advised Gantz, should he be tasked with forming a government, to engage with the Democratic Party and the United List. Heib's focus is on supporting parties that champion equality, democracy, and social justice, not specifically military figures.

He also highlighted that the Bedouin community in the north lacks representation within the three parties of the Joint List, while having representation in the United List, a factor he considers significant for future electoral choices. He stressed that while the final voting decision rests with individuals, local authority heads bear the responsibility of politically guiding their communities toward what they deem beneficial.

Heib confirmed that local leaders have met with various parties, including the Democrats, United List, and Yachad, to inform citizens about their platforms. He reiterated that the collective position is to seek a government change and remove right-wing elements, while denying any unified endorsement of Gantz. He believes the Arab and Bedouin communities must be partners in the next government and in decision-making roles, as remaining outside the coalition will not advance their demands.