United Arab List Head Explains Party Strategy to Son

Mansour Abbas, head of the United Arab List (UAL), published a letter to his son Mohammed explaining the party's political strategy and addressing questions about the current elections. In the letter, posted on his Facebook page, Abbas frames the choice for Arab voters as one between "expression" and "change."

Abbas argues that the UAL's approach of entering the governing coalition is the most effective way to achieve change and secure Arab demands, contrasting it with other parties that he claims rely on "rumors" and "slogans." He criticizes those who advocate for remaining in opposition, stating that "there is no third option" in the Knesset besides coalition or opposition. He asserts that the UAL has achieved significant progress within the coalition in just one year, citing examples like securing budgets for villages lacking basic services and addressing issues like demolition orders, which he claims have been neglected for decades.

Responding to accusations of making concessions, Abbas insists that the UAL has not compromised its core principles. He describes politics as the "art of the possible" and claims the party has achieved its goals without sacrificing its values. He criticizes the approach of other Arab parties, mentioning Sami Abu Shehadeh's focus on the "Jewishness of the state" while ignoring more pressing issues. Abbas uses an analogy of a mayor who only shouts slogans without delivering services to illustrate his point that symbolic gestures are insufficient.

Abbas concludes by urging his son not to be misled by "illusions" or "false politics." He reiterates the UAL's goals of ensuring safety, securing full budgets for Arab towns, improving the lives of Arab citizens, and enhancing their political standing. He also claims credit for removing Netanyahu from power previously and states the UAL will do so again, citing a potential coalition of "53 + 8 = 61" seats.