Dr. Adnan Naim, a specialist on Israel and the Middle East, says political and strategic disputes are still preventing Arab parties from forming a joint electoral list ahead of the elections, despite strong pressure from Arab voters. Speaking to the Palestinian news site Quds Press, he said the talks have exposed deep differences between Ra'am, and the other Arab parties, Hadash, Ta'al and Balad.
Naim said the main rift centers on the pragmatic approach adopted by MK Mansour Abbas, Ra'am's chairman. Abbas sees a joint slate as an electoral framework that could later allow Ra'am to join a governing coalition, even if it is led by a right-wing Israeli prime minister. By contrast, the other three parties reject that idea, saying it would legitimize a government that pursues what they describe as racist policies against Palestinians, and they prefer to remain in opposition.
He also said the parties disagree over priorities. Ra'am is focused on concrete civic gains, including fighting crime, housing and budgets, while the other Arab parties insist that the Palestinian issue and national rights must be central to any political platform.
Naim added that higher Arab voter turnout could translate into about 20 seats or more in the Knesset, giving Arab lawmakers greater influence over the formation of the next government and the ability to block decisions made by right-wing governments.
