Arab Parties Vow to Replace Government After Election Gains

Following partial election results indicating a significant increase in their political power, leaders of Arab parties have pledged to do everything possible to replace the current Israeli government. They cited the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as reasons for their commitment. The parties are calling on those who also desire a change in government to engage in dialogue with them.

Mansour Abbas, chairman of Ra'am, expressed hope that the final numbers would allow the "change bloc" and Ra'am to secure the 61 seats needed to form a government. He recalled the previous "change government" as being significantly better than the current "government of failures." Abbas noted that the high voter turnout in the Arab community reflects frustration that has transformed into hope through the electoral process, stating, "All citizens of Israel have been abandoned. The Arab society responded to this government's policy, we want to replace it by any means possible."

Abbas further stated that his priority is to ensure a government can be formed, after which details and common ground can be discussed. He acknowledged that current projections do not yet guarantee a majority, but hopes for an increase in mandates for both his party and the change bloc to achieve a 64-seat government. He emphasized that any potential partner must first demonstrate the possibility of forming a government before seeking his party's support.

Professor Yosef Jabareen, chairman of the Joint List, declared that the "Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir government has made the life of every Arab citizen miserable." He asserted that the Joint List will leverage its political strength to advance its values and pave the way for the ouster of the current government, which includes Bezalel Smotrich. Jabareen stated, "We are ready to pave the way to oust the government of Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, and send them home." He added that they aim to enable a better future for both Arab citizens and Israeli society as a whole, presenting a choice between "continued racism or true Jewish-Arab partnership."

Ahmad Tibi, chairman of Ta'al within the Joint List, told Al-Hadath channel that the first step would be to oust the Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, a move he stated would not be possible without the Joint List's participation. He confirmed their intention to vote for the opposition's candidate for Speaker. Tibi later told Reshet Bet that initial contacts and discussions with the "change bloc" have begun following the election results. He believes the Arab public has proven to be "smart, responsible, and very political," desiring continued influence on the political system, and that they have "blocked the possibility of Netanyahu forming a government on his own."