Joint List Sets Conditions for Supporting Alternative Government

Ahmad Tibi, a candidate for the Joint List, outlined the faction's strategy to influence Israeli politics post-election, stating its readiness to back a government replacing Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. This support, however, is contingent on clear commitments to issues affecting the Arab community, including combating crime and violence, halting home demolitions, and ensuring budgets and rights. Tibi emphasized the Joint List's role should extend beyond analyzing the political landscape to actively changing it. He noted that opposition leaders like Avigdor Lieberman, Gadi Eisenkot, and Naftali Bennett have rejected Arab party participation in government or coalitions, underscoring the Joint List's significance in the upcoming elections.

Tibi anticipates that no political bloc will secure the 61 seats needed for a majority, positioning the Joint List as a potential kingmaker. He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of aiming to prevent opposition government formation, even if it means prolonging a caretaker government. Tibi urged Arab voters to support the Joint List to counter this scenario.

While the Joint List does not expect the next government to be a "peace government" or to align on broad political lines, Tibi believes understandings can be reached to benefit the Arab community without compromising core political principles. Any support offered must guarantee a safety net for the Arab community and its issues, including a plan to fight crime and violence, an end to home demolitions particularly in the Negev, the cancellation of the "Kaminitz" law, addressing eviction orders, and expediting the approval of master plans for Arab towns. He also highlighted the plight of unemployed teachers and doctors lacking job opportunities or specialized training, calling for solutions.

Tibi affirmed the Joint List will not offer support at the expense of Arab community issues, rejecting settlements and what he termed "racist" laws. He also stated they would not remain silent on "genocide, displacement, and incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque," opposing the "return of refugees" law and demanding guaranteed budgets for Arab communities. The Joint List plans parliamentary initiatives from the outset of the next Knesset, including supporting an opposition candidate for Knesset Speaker to unseat Amir Ohana, whom Tibi accused of turning the parliament into a platform for anti-Arab incitement. They also intend to propose laws benefiting the Arab community, support a bill to prevent Netanyahu from serving as prime minister while indicted, and seek representation on the parliamentary finance committee. Tibi urged Arab citizens to vote for the Joint List on October 27, asserting that electoral participation empowers the Arab community to influence political and parliamentary decisions, and that any understanding with the opposition must be based on clear demands and conditions.