Arab MK Tibi Refuses to Label Hamas Terrorist Group, Cites Need for Therapy
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List refused to label Hamas a terrorist organization during a radio interview, instead criticizing the question and suggesting interviewers "need therapy." Tibi confirmed ongoing talks with the "change bloc" to form an alternative government, though the Joint List would likely not be a direct part of it. He also refused to state that Hamas should be destroyed, questioning the broader implications of labeling all Palestinian factions as terrorist groups.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Ahmad Tibi refused to call Hamas a terrorist group during a radio interview.
- Tibi suggested Israeli interviewers "need therapy" for repeatedly asking Arab guests about Hamas.
- The Joint List is in talks with the "change bloc" to form an alternative government.
- Tibi did not commit to core principles like defining Israel as a Jewish state.
- He refused to state Hamas should be destroyed, questioning the labeling of all Palestinian factions.
Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List refused to label Hamas a terrorist organization during an interview on Kan Radio, instead sharply criticizing the question itself and suggesting interviewers "need therapy." Tibi argued that such questions are repeatedly posed to Arab interviewees, implying a desire for Arab citizens to celebrate Israeli actions.
Tibi stated that the Joint List is actively engaged in discussions with parties in the "change bloc" to replace the current government. "We have said that we want to bring about a change in reality. The Joint List wants to assist, help, and replace this government and pave the way for an alternative government, and therefore we are extending a hand to the change bloc," Tibi said. He expressed hope that the "change bloc" would have the courage to utilize the available numbers, stating the Joint List is "brave enough" and hopes they will be equally so.
When asked by interviewer Esti Peretz Ben Ami if the Joint List would accept the foundational principles of Zionist parties, including defining Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and the stance that Hamas is a terrorist organization that must be destroyed, Tibi did not commit. He stated his desire to "do everything to pave the way for a government to be declared," adding that the Joint List would likely not be an "organic part" of such a government but remained open to dialogue.
Tibi indicated that the goal of these contacts is to improve the situation for the Arab public, addressing issues such as crime, home demolitions, infrastructure, and ending incitement. He also mentioned that the Joint List would vote for the opposition's candidate for Knesset speaker to replace the current one, recalling their previous endorsement of Benny Gantz, who later joined Benjamin Netanyahu.
The interview concluded with Tibi refusing to directly answer whether Hamas is a terrorist organization that should be destroyed, instead questioning the implication that all Palestinian factions should be labeled as terrorist groups, which would equate the entire Palestinian people to terrorists. He reiterated that the Joint List had condemned the atrocities in the Gaza envelope multiple times.
Mentioned
