Arab Candidates Face Test as Joint List Vows to Prioritize Negev Issues

Hassan Al-Nassasra, candidate number 11 for the Joint List, stated that issues facing the Arab community in the Negev will be a top priority if he enters the Knesset. He highlighted that the region has suffered from violence, crime, demolitions, and incitement over the past four years. Al-Nassasra emphasized that these concerns were central to the election campaign of Arab parties and pledged to work towards their resolution.

Al-Nassasra attributed the high voter turnout to the Arab community's suffering from injustice, persecution, incitement, division, and crime. He praised the voters' participation, stating that the responsibility now shifts to Arab Knesset members to prove their ability to defend their community and its issues. He linked the strong turnout to a response against incitement and the actions of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, particularly Ben-Gvir's statements on demolishing homes in the Negev.

He called for the current government's swift removal, noting that the responsibility for charting a path to change does not rest solely on the Arab lists. Al-Nassasra mentioned that the Joint List and the United List have expressed readiness to cooperate on forming a new government under specific conditions. He warned against continued incitement against the Arab community post-election, referencing accusations of "election theft" against the Arab and Bedouin communities, which he described as reflecting the extent of hatred and incitement in the Jewish street.

Al-Nassasra urged for deliberation and unity among Arab parties to confront the upcoming phase, expressing hope for a new government to replace the current one, which he labeled as racist. He acknowledged the difficult choices for forming the next government, with options including new elections or reaching understandings for an alternative government. He noted some figures in the "change bloc" reject cooperation with Arab parties but believes this stance may be flexible given limited political alternatives.

He confirmed that Arab lists aim to be part of the political influence process and government formation, but not without conditions, emphasizing the goal of securing the rights, defense, and protection of the Arab community. Al-Nassasra stressed that the Arab community's demands are equality, freedom, justice, and living with dignity, viewing the perception of Arab citizens as outsiders or enemies as a fundamental problem. He concluded by underscoring the need to translate electoral success into political action serving the Arab community, especially the Negev, in light of challenges related to demolitions, crime, incitement, and discrimination.