Arab Israeli Lawmaker Vows to Topple Government, Backs Oct. 7 Probe

Ahmad Tibi, chairman of the Joint List party, announced on Wednesday that his party would support the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th massacre. Speaking at a conference hosted by the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Tibi also vowed to pursue the government's downfall through "actions we have not taken in the past." He stated his intention to vote in favor of the commission and reiterated his commitment to bringing down the current government to pave the way for an alternative one.

During the interview with journalist Amit Segal, Tibi addressed economic issues, including the integration of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community into the workforce. He expressed skepticism that their non-participation would lead to economic collapse. Tibi explained his party's shift in voting policy regarding military conscription, stating that while Arabs are legally exempt, the Joint List voted against conscription laws in the current Knesset term "because we want to bring down the government." He clarified that his party supports affirmative action for the Arab population and also for the Haredi community in the job market.

Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, also spoke at the conference, focusing on Haredi employment. He blamed the state for placing obstacles that hinder Haredi integration and advancement in senior positions. Asher recounted a past confrontation with Yair Lapid, then Finance Minister, over stringent experience requirements for director roles, which he argued effectively excluded many Haredi candidates. He rejected the notion that the Haredi public is "funded by the state," noting the high employment rate among Haredi women, though he acknowledged their lower incomes are partly due to state-imposed barriers like childcare limitations.

Asher argued that while Haredi male employment rates had risen previously, this progress was halted by measures taken against the community. He countered Segal's observation that employment increased after Netanyahu cut benefits as Finance Minister, calling it only "partially true" and attributing the subsequent stagnation to policies led by Lapid. Asher appealed for patience and understanding, advocating for the removal of educational and vocational training barriers and the adaptation of employment paths to the Haredi lifestyle. He also referenced his efforts as mayor of Bnei Brak to promote employment and legislation for Haredi affirmative action.

Asher concluded by criticizing the state's treatment of the Haredi public, likening it to collective punishment. He drew a parallel to Knesset committee discussions about denying benefits to terrorists' families, contrasting it with the perceived lack of empathy for the Haredi community. He warned that painting all Haredim with the same brush and failing to accommodate their distinct way of life threatened social cohesion in Israel.