United Arab List Head Abbas Rules Out Netanyahu Talks, Seeks Influential Arab Role in Government

Mansour Abbas, head of the United Arab List, stated that his party's preference is to form a "government of change" with significant Arab participation in the coalition. He explicitly ruled out entering into negotiations with Benjamin Netanyahu, regardless of whether Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are part of his government. Abbas explained that achieving this goal requires electoral results that enable the formation of a parliamentary majority, uniting opposition parties with the United Arab List. He emphasized the necessity of the opposition securing a Jewish majority, alongside sufficient Arab representation, to establish a stable government. Abbas indicated that his list aims to win eight seats, believing that increased Arab representation will enhance the list's ability to influence decisions and policies, transforming voters' support into effective political power.

Regarding the possibility of the United Arab List joining the next government, Abbas mentioned that the decision on recommending a prime minister has not yet been made. The list will await the election results and the composition of the "change bloc" before making a decision. He suggested that government formation could take various forms, including the possibility of a rotation in the prime minister's office, and that post-election negotiations would determine the most suitable arrangement based on the outcomes and shared interests. Abbas stressed that the United Arab List will not accept other parties' conditions as final before the elections, noting that each party has the right to present its demands, and final understandings will be discussed after the results are clear.

Abbas rejected the idea of settling for a "safety net" for a government that has not yet been formed, prioritizing the creation of the necessary political conditions for a government of change with influential Arab participation. He stated that the United Arab List possesses political experience from its previous government involvement and knows how to negotiate with various Israeli parties to reach common understandings. He added that past experience shows that some parties' positions before elections can change after the results are known and a new political reality emerges. Abbas affirmed that participation in government does not mean abandoning the demands of the Arab community, highlighting that combating violence and crime, halting demolitions, and addressing issues affecting Arab citizens are fundamental aspects of their political work.

Abbas urged Arab citizens to participate widely in the elections, viewing the ballot box as the decisive tool for political change in Israel and believing that the Arab vote can become an influential force in government formation and decision-making. He observed that the atmosphere within the Arab community appears more inclined towards voting compared to previous elections, but stressed that this trend will only be meaningful if translated into actual votes. He warned against attempts to disrupt the electoral process, noting reports of approximately 40,000 volunteers involved in safeguarding the elections and preventing interference.

Addressing concerns about continued incitement against the United Arab List, Abbas stated that the political landscape differs significantly after the events of October 7th, presenting an opportunity for an alternative government if the necessary parliamentary numbers are available. He concluded by reiterating his goal of ousting the current right-wing government and forming a more positive "government of change," viewing active political participation as a means to enhance the status, rights, and influence of Arab citizens in the country's future.