Arab List Candidate Alleges Police Assault in Nazareth, Urges Vote to Oust Government

Abd al-Karim Azzam, a candidate for the United Arab List, reported being assaulted by a police officer while distributing campaign flyers in Nazareth. Azzam stated this was not the first encounter with what he described as "racist police" attempting to obstruct their legal activities. He recounted an incident where officers demanded they stop distributing flyers and one officer allegedly tore up a flyer and pushed him. Azzam also noted a policewoman greeting Ben Gvir, which he found inappropriate for law enforcement. He urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid provocation, stating they moved to another location to continue their work.

Azzam condemned the incident, noting that the Joint List had issued a statement of condemnation. He called the event a message to the Arab community to "go out and vote and change this government," which he characterized as "fascist and racist." He also commented on a call by MK Mansour Abbas for an electoral debate with Professor Yousef Jabareen, calling electoral competition and the exchange of views healthy and normal.

Azzam outlined two approaches within the Arab community: the United Arab List's aim to influence and replace the current government, and another approach characterized by hesitation and multiple viewpoints, which he criticized as misleading regarding the concept of a "blocking veto." He also pointed out that the Joint List was using slogans in their current campaign that they had previously criticized the United Arab List for using.

The police issued a statement asserting that during routine activity to maintain public order in Nazareth, individuals verbally attacked officers and obstructed their work with political slogans. The police claim one individual falsely identified himself as a Knesset member to mislead officers. The police stated they would continue to uphold law and order and would not permit harassment of their personnel.