Arab Voters in Israel Shifted Focus to Identity, Not Citizenship, in Elections

Recent elections in Israel, characterized by what the author describes as a "fascist process," saw the ruling coalition seeking renewed legitimacy for its agenda, which it failed to fully achieve. The author argues that the success of the Arab Palestinian voters, who secured 19 Knesset seats, was instrumental in preventing the right-wing bloc from consolidating control over the legislature and executive branches. This outcome is deemed a significant historical event for Palestinians within Israel and for the broader political landscape.

The article posits that Palestinian citizens of Israel, representing a quarter of the Palestinian population between the river and the sea, asserted their identity over their citizenship in this election. They voted not for citizenship in the state but to affirm their presence and belonging, resisting attempts to marginalize or confine them. The collective vote sent a clear message of enduring presence.

Furthermore, the author contends that Palestinian Arab voters did not engage in the "barracks" game intended to neutralize their political influence. Instead, they mobilized to assert their Palestinian identity without apology, demonstrating resilience against what the author calls the "fascist" elements aiming to suppress them. This electoral participation transformed the community into a cohesive "people" rather than a mere "society."

The election results also convey a message to political elites within Israel and the Arab community itself, emphasizing a desire for unity, solidarity, and strength. The author stresses that the elected Arab leadership now faces the challenge of translating electoral power into tangible political, social, and moral force to counter the "fascist-colonial" political conditions. A key immediate test will be how they respond to the incitement campaign aimed at delegitimizing the 19 elected members.

The author proposes a firm response to the accusations, rejecting them as part of a racist incitement campaign and avoiding apologies or retreats, contrasting this with the stance of Mansour Abbas. The article also advocates for transforming the "Joint List" into a broader organizational nucleus for the community, supported by expertise and a dedicated spokesperson. Additionally, it suggests engaging with foreign representatives to brief them on the situation and warn against the security establishment's actions against Palestinian achievements and the ongoing incitement.

Finally, the article refutes the notion that Palestinian participation legitimized the "barracks" system, arguing instead that it was an act of self-legitimization. While acknowledging that some, like Mansour Abbas, sought external validation, the author asserts that the majority voted for their identity. The author concludes by advocating for a confident and empowered expression of identity in politics, rather than its erasure, especially within the context of a "fascist" system.