Joint List Offers Support for Netanyahu Alternative Under Strict Conditions

Yousef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, announced on Saturday, October 10, that the bloc he leads is prepared to offer parliamentary support to any government that replaces Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jabareen emphasized that this support would not be unconditional, inviting future partners to negotiate the demands of Arab society. He stated that forming an alternative to the Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich government is impossible without engaging with the Joint List. "We are not giving carte blanche to anyone," Jabareen declared, adding that "whoever wants our support is invited to negotiate the demands of our society."

A primary condition set by Jabareen is the fight against crime within Arab society, demanding a clear program with timelines, budgets, and oversight. He stressed that the Joint List must first serve its own population, and political influence should not compromise its principles. Jabareen explicitly ruled out supporting budgets that fund war and settlements, and voiced opposition to the 2018 Nation-State Law, which he described as entrenching Jewish supremacy. He also stated that cooperation would not silence the List regarding "events in Gaza and the West Bank," which he characterized as "destruction" and "ethnic cleansing," nor about actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Jabareen called the current elections "fateful" for Arab society, accusing the government of "fascism, racism, and encroachments on all spheres of its life" and warning that the "cabinet is leading the country and the region to catastrophe." He asserted that the Joint List represents the broadest possible unity of Arab parties and political currents, and that increased Knesset representation will enable the bloc to influence government changes and set conditions for any post-election political alliance. He urged voters to strengthen the Joint List to utilize all available tools.

However, Jabareen's willingness to negotiate contrasts with the public stances of most parties opposing Netanyahu, many of whom have previously rejected cooperation with Arab parties. Most leaders of these parties have also excluded collaboration with Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party. Netanyahu may leverage Jabareen's statement in his campaign, as a significant part of his platform claims that Gadi Eisenkot cannot form a government without Arab party support.