Arab Israeli Election Boycott Debated Amid Escalating 'Fascist' Policies
An opinion piece argues that the current political climate in Israel, characterized by what the author terms "fascism" and "genocide," renders traditional arguments for boycotting elections obsolete. The author contends that Arab politics in Israel, unlike Israeli politics which aims to entrench a "fascist colonial reality," seeks to counter Israeli policies through electoral participation. This shift, the author believes, began after the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the end of the two-state solution, leading to a situation where Israel seeks to resolve the Palestinian issue through violence, culminating in what is described as "genocide."
The piece criticizes those who advocate for boycotting elections, stating their arguments are based on outdated considerations from a time when political compromise and land division were possible. The author asserts that the current "state of emergency" necessitates a re-evaluation of all political stances, including participation or boycott. The author points to explicit intentions by "genocidal" actors to expand their project from Gaza to the West Bank and within Israel itself, citing examples like the establishment of settlements.
In this context, the author argues that high Arab voter turnout can disrupt "fascist right-wing" plans. Conversely, some Arab political factions are accused of engaging in "narrow politics" and focusing on internal unity rather than confronting the broader existential threat. The "Tripartite Common List" is presented as the most suitable entity to represent the Arab population's interests in this challenging environment.
The author dismisses the idea of boycotting as a futile act when facing a regime that actively seeks to prevent Arab representation and political will. The piece advocates for participation as a minimal act of defiance against "fascism," even if it's just through voting. The author criticizes Mansour Abbas for splitting from the Arab bloc and seeking favor from the "barracks society," which was ultimately unreciprocated. The author concludes that in the face of "fascism," the primary task for victims is to forge a collective political will to confront their fate with dignity, not to seek budgets, as falsely claimed by some.
