Likud Negotiates with Ra'am to Halt Negev Home Demolitions in Exchange for Media Weakening Law Support

The Likud party is reportedly negotiating with the Arab Ra'am party to secure support for a controversial law aimed at weakening the media, by offering to halt home demolitions in the Negev region. The talks center on Member of Knesset Walid al-Huashla, the only Arab MK on the special committee reviewing the media law. Likud has previously approached al-Huashla to either abstain or support the bill, but he refused. Recently, senior Likud officials renewed their efforts, directly asking him what conditions would lead to his absence from the vote.

According to an informed source, Ra'am demands a complete stop to the demolition of Arab homes in the Negev in exchange for al-Huashla's absence during the vote. Al-Huashla, who resides in the Negev, has indicated willingness to consider this condition. Likud has not rejected the demand and left the door open for further negotiations. This development suggests that the coalition, which frequently enforces demolitions in the Negev, may be willing to pause these actions to secure political backing for the media legislation.

Officially, Ra'am denies any cooperation with Likud. Likud, for its part, denies the reports, calling them "another spin by the Arab parties." The media law is seen as contentious, and Likud fears it may not muster a majority without Ra'am's support. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the bill's passage and the ongoing policy toward Arab communities in the Negev.