Joint List Chairman Offers Support for Netanyahu Alternative Government

Yosef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, announced on Saturday that his party is prepared to provide a "safety net" for any government that replaces Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is willing to negotiate its terms. Jabareen stated in a video that forming an alternative government without negotiating with the Joint List is currently impossible based on available data. He clarified that this support would not be a "blank check," emphasizing that any party seeking their backing must negotiate the demands of the Arab community.

Jabareen described the upcoming elections as critical for the Arab community's future, citing what he termed "fascism, racism, and unprecedented escalation" under the current government. He asserted that the Joint List, as the broadest possible unity of Arab parties and streams, possesses significant influence when united, capable of toppling the government and setting conditions for any future political formation.

He stressed that the Joint List would use all available tools to replace the current government, acting as a safety net for their community against crime through a clear plan with a budget and oversight. However, Jabareen insisted that this influence would not come at the cost of compromising core principles, such as voting for budgets supporting settlements, accepting the Nation-State Law, or remaining silent on actions in Gaza, the West Bank, or Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Despite Jabareen's declaration, most parties in the bloc opposing Netanyahu have previously rejected cooperation with Arab parties, with many specifically ruling out collaboration with Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party. Netanyahu's campaign has reportedly leveraged warnings that Gadi Eisenkot cannot form a government without Arab party support.