Joint List Celebrates Historic Achievement in Bid to Oust Extremist Government

The central headquarters of the Joint List in Nazareth erupted in celebrations following the closure of polling stations and the release of early vote counts. Projections indicate the Joint List will secure between 10 and 11 seats, with an unprecedented 80% voter turnout in the Arab community, surpassing the turnout in the Jewish community. Initial results from Israeli channels show the Joint List gaining 10-11 seats, while the United List is projected to win 7.

Yousef Jabareen, head of the Joint List, attributed the results to the mobilization of "our people, young and old," who rallied against the "far-right government that has perfected the art of tormenting our people." He stated this was a move to counter the extremist right-wing government.

Candidate Bakar Awwadeh described the outcome as a "historic achievement" thanks to the Arab community's participation from the Triangle, Galilee, Negev, and the coast. He specifically mentioned Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating, "Ben-Gvir wanted to expel us, and today we proved to him that we are one united people against these racists."

Former MK Osama Saadi added that Arabs in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and prisoners are awaiting the fall of "extremist Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir," whom he accused of denying them basic necessities. He asserted that the strong vote was the people's response.

Candidate Maha Karkabi Sabah highlighted the role of Arab citizens in Israel in ousting the government, which she accused of harming people in Gaza and practicing ethnic cleansing in the West Bank. She also commended the women who worked towards this goal.

Candidates Faten Ghattas and Nihaya Wishahi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the "extremist government" has been ousted through the efforts of the Arab population. They noted that despite attempts to lure Arab citizens into parties claiming influence within the government, the people remained steadfast in their principled stance.