Ra'am Party Recommends Eisenkot for Prime Minister, Abbas Avoids Hamas Label

During official consultations at the President's Residence, a delegation from the Ra'am party, including Members of Knesset Mansour Abbas, Yoav Segalovitz, Walid Taha, Walid Al-Huashla, and Iman Khatib Yassin, recommended Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yesh" party, for the mandate to form the government. A controversy arose when Abbas was asked if Ra'am considers Hamas a terrorist organization. He declined to give a direct answer, stating, "We cannot be put to this test every time." President Yitzhak Herzog acknowledged the public's deep suspicion regarding partnerships with Ra'am. Abbas countered that his party's participation in a coalition would enhance security awareness and safeguard the nation's borders. The discussion also touched upon Israel's identity as a Jewish and democratic state, aligning with the Declaration of Independence. MK Yoav Segalovitz, who recently joined Ra'am, defended the move as a Zionist endeavor driven by concern for the country's future. He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing them of neglecting the fight against crime in the Arab community and fostering a toxic public discourse, labeling the outgoing government as one that allowed extremist elements to influence state management. Segalovitz also welcomed the investigation into suspected improper influence and voter funding, with Abbas affirming Ra'am's full cooperation with law enforcement.