Arab Leader Outlines Strategy to Oust Right-Wing Government, Criticizes Rivals

Ibrahim Hegazi, a leader in the United Arab List and head of the Islamic Movement's Political Bureau, detailed his party's electoral strategy in an interview with Kul al-Arab. He presented a plan to unseat the right-wing government, criticizing the Joint List's approach to the "safety net" issue and refuting claims about civil service and conscription.

Hegazi expressed confidence in the United Arab List's ability to influence the political landscape, stating that their internal polls indicate a 65-67% voter turnout among the Arab public, with hopes of exceeding 70%. He emphasized that the ballot box is the sole means to end the right-wing government's rule, asserting that the Arab community is aware of its power to vote out a government that has caused widespread harm.

He urged Arab voters to compare the United Arab List's year in the "government of change," which offered a glimmer of hope despite difficulties, with the four years of the Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir government, which he claims led to 1,500 demolition orders, rampant crime, land confiscation, and the establishment of over 500 settlement outposts. Hegazi defended his party's willingness to take political risks for the benefit of their community, contrasting it with leaders who hide behind slogans.

Addressing the "civil service" issue, Hegazi clarified that it originated from a 2012 proposal for voluntary community service as an alternative to security programs. He reiterated a complete rejection of any conscription, calling rumors about Dr. Mansour Abbas advocating for it a "naive and bankrupt lie." Hegazi stressed adherence to the National Follow-up Committee's consensus on all matters.

Hegazi dismissed statements by politicians like Gantz, Eizenkot, and Bennett, who reject cooperation with Arab parties, as mere election rhetoric. He recalled Bennett's 2021 U-turn on his written pledges when numbers dictated cooperation. Hegazi calculated that the "change bloc" needs 61 seats to form a government and send Netanyahu's government into opposition. He asserted that the United Arab List must secure at least 8 seats, stating, "If the United Arab List remains below eight seats, Netanyahu and his fascist ministers will remain in power." He claimed that a vote for the United Arab List was instrumental in Netanyahu's previous downfall and is key to repeating it.

He criticized the Joint List's "safety net" proposal as a mimicry of the United Arab List's leadership, arguing that forming a government requires 61 seats, and the "safety net" is a secondary protection mechanism, not a government-forming tool. Hegazi also debunked the idea of influencing policy through parliamentary committees, stating that real decisions and budgets are made at the government table.

Regarding the boycott movement, Hegazi expressed respect for Sheikh Raed Salah and Sheikh Kamal Khatib, acknowledging their right to their principled stance. He revealed extensive dialogue with boycott proponents, focusing on the "feasibility, alternatives, and seat calculations." Hegazi explained that boycotting votes inadvertently increases the seat count for other parties, reassuring the public that no Arab votes would be wasted in this election due to the presence of only two Arab lists and surplus vote agreements.

In his closing remarks, Hegazi urged Arab citizens to vote for the United Arab List to secure the eight seats needed for change. He outlined the party's priorities for any future government, including curbing organized crime, halting home demolitions, expanding building zones, recognizing unrecognized Negev villages, and creating future opportunities for youth.