Joint List Unveils Knesset Agenda, Offers Support for Netanyahu Alternative

The Joint List presented its work plan for the upcoming Knesset, ahead of the elections scheduled for October 27. Faction Chairman Ahmad Tibi described the election as the 'mother of all systems' and stated the party is prepared to provide a safety net for a government replacing Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. This support would be contingent on commitments to combat violence and crime, halt home demolitions, and pursue a political horizon.

Tibi emphasized the primary goal is to prevent Netanyahu from continuing as caretaker prime minister, aiming to bring down his government and pave the way for an alternative. He acknowledged that such a government might not be ideal but presented it as a choice between bad and worse. Tibi also drew a parallel between Avigdor Lieberman and Bezalel Smotrich in Arabic. The Joint List's demands for an alternative government include adopting its plan to curb violence and crime, stop home demolitions, and work towards a political solution.

While the next government won't be a 'peace government,' Tibi stated the list would seek common ground to advance the interests of the Arab community without compromising its principles. He stressed the importance of the Joint List's strength in the upcoming elections, stating they need 10 mandates to prevent Netanyahu's bloc from reaching 61 mandates and to enable a government change. Tibi explained that without the Joint List, overthrowing Netanyahu's government is impossible, as both the right-wing and opposition blocs are currently tied at 51-52 mandates.

List Chairman Yosef Jabareen echoed the hope for ten mandates, noting an increase from eight to nine seats. He criticized the current government as a 'government of blood' and 'fascist,' responsible for the hardship of Arab citizens. Jabareen called the current election a historic opportunity to replace the government, labeling it the 'mother of all systems.' He also pledged to work towards removing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana early in the next Knesset's term, accusing Ohana of turning the Knesset into a 'Kahanist and racist arena.'

The Joint List's 20-point plan includes ending the occupation, stopping the 'genocide,' and establishing a Palestinian state. Other points address combating organized crime and ensuring security in the Arab community, fighting discrimination in education and employment, promoting building permits and halting home demolitions, recognizing Palestinian culture, tackling the cost of living and access to credit, fighting worker exploitation and gender discrimination, opposing 'Israelization,' strengthening Palestinian national identity, and combating environmental destruction.

Jabareen highlighted the plan's development through collaboration with residents and professionals to address the Arab community's needs. He committed the Joint List to being a safety net against violence, crime, and home demolitions, and to promoting social and economic rights for young people. He also stated the list would work with international bodies to advance the rights of the Arab community and the Palestinian people.

Tibi outlined additional goals, including raising the minimum wage to 70% of the average wage, enacting a 'Law of the Accused,' and either canceling or postponing the Kaminitz Law for five years. He reiterated the commitment to replace Amir Ohana as Knesset Speaker with an opposition candidate.

Maha Karkabi-Sabbah, number 7 on the list, discussed economic and social issues within the Arab community, particularly the gap between educated Arab women and employment opportunities. She noted a concentration in teaching and paramedical fields, with thousands of trained teachers unable to find positions. Karkabi-Sabbah called for policy changes and special budgets to address the economic structure of Arab communities and create diverse employment options, including in high-tech.

Jabareen and Sami Abu Shehadeh also appealed to Jewish left-wing voters, presenting the Joint List as an alternative offering hope for equality and social justice. Abu Shehadeh emphasized that Jewish votes for the list signify hope for the only democratic project in Israeli politics based on equality and justice for both peoples, opening horizons for a different kind of politics and a future for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.