Balad Chairman Sami Abu Shahadeh Open to Negotiations with Gadi Eizenkot If Occupation Ends
Sami Abu Shahadeh, former Knesset member and newly re-elected chairman of the Balad party, expressed willingness to negotiate with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot or any prime ministerial candidate who supports ending the Israeli occupation or enacting a Basic Law on equality. Speaking to Ynet on April 21, 2024, ahead of the October elections, Abu Shahadeh highlighted Balad’s historic inclusion of a Jewish candidate, Orly Noy, who secured the fifth spot on the party list, signaling a potential joint Arab-Jewish political effort.
Abu Shahadeh detailed ongoing negotiations to form a joint Arab list comprising Balad, Hadash, Ta'al, and Ra'am. While Ra'am initially hesitated, Balad is currently negotiating a three-party alliance with Hadash and Ta'al, leaving the door open for Ra'am’s future participation. Polls suggest this coalition could secure around 10 to 11 Knesset seats, with Ra'am adding 4 to 5 seats, potentially reaching 16 to 17 seats total.
Regarding political strategy, Abu Shahadeh emphasized that the joint list aims to be a significant parliamentary force, possibly the third largest, influencing both coalition and opposition blocs without joining the government. He stated that Balad would consider supporting a prime minister candidate who aligns with their political agenda, specifically ending the occupation or promoting equality laws.
Abu Shahadeh criticized the previous Bennett-Lapid government’s collapse, attributing it to racism within Bennett’s party and its members’ opposition to Arab participation in government. He denied any direct cooperation with Netanyahu or his associates. Addressing internal Arab community challenges, he acknowledged the severe issue of violence and crime, calling it one of the most dangerous societies globally and a top priority for Arab parties in the upcoming elections.
When asked about National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s efforts against crime, Abu Shahadeh condemned his failures and suggested that in a functioning state, such results would lead to dismissal. He expressed a personal preference to take on the education portfolio in a future government to address societal issues through education reform.
