Joint List Chairman Sets Conditions for Support, Demands Palestinian State
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Yosef Jabareen, Chairman of the Joint List, presented four demands for post-election support, including the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. He also called for action against crime in Arab society and development of Arab towns and youth programs. Jabareen stated that decisions on support would be made after the elections and that he does not expect an immediate Palestinian state. His demands were strongly criticized by ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called the proposals dangerous and unacceptable.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Joint List Chairman Yosef Jabareen demanded a Palestinian state within 1967 borders for post-election support.
- Jabareen also prioritized combating crime and developing Arab communities and youth.
- He clarified that support decisions would be made after the elections.
- Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly condemned Jabareen's demands.
- Ben-Gvir called Arab MKs supporting a Palestinian state a 'fifth column'.
Yosef Jabareen, Chairman of Hadash and the Joint List, outlined four demands on Tuesday that would form the basis for negotiations regarding recommendations at the Presidential Residence and post-election support. In addition to demands concerning crime, development of Arab communities, and youth in Arab society, Jabareen presented a demand to advance the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. He clarified that there is no automatic support and that decisions will be made after the elections, with no current contact with opposition parties.
Jabareen prioritized combating crime and violence in Arab society, calling for a comprehensive, budgeted plan against criminal organizations. His second demand focused on developing Arab towns, including expanding municipal areas, promoting rehabilitation projects, and halting home demolitions. The third demand addressed the needs of Arab youth through education and welfare programs.
On the political front, Jabareen called for a change in direction and the promotion of negotiations for a Palestinian state alongside Israel. "Our political plan is the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, alongside the State of Israel which will, of course, live in peace with it," he stated. He added that anyone wishing to replace Netanyahu's "government of wars and blood" must also offer a political horizon toward recognizing the Palestinian right to self-determination and initiating negotiations, presenting this as the only path to peace.
However, Jabareen acknowledged he does not expect a Palestinian state to be established immediately after the elections, stating he is "not naive" enough to believe that. His remarks drew sharp criticism from Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Smotrich linked Jabareen's statements to the possibility of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, calling it a "dangerous plan to establish a terrorist state in the heart of Israel." Ben-Gvir labeled Arab MKs supporting a Palestinian state as a "fifth column" and argued they do not belong in the Knesset, reiterating his own policy of dismantling the Palestinian Authority and promoting voluntary emigration from Gaza and the West Bank.
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