Ra'am Chairman Abbas Meets President Herzog, Discusses Government Formation

Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, met with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog at the President's Residence on Thursday, accompanied by his faction members. Abbas announced his party's recommendation to task Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yesh!, with forming the next government. Abbas attributed the high voter turnout in the Arab community in the recent elections partly to "provocation, incitement, and racism" by the current government. The meeting also addressed Ra'am's positions and suspicions surrounding the elections, including allegations of improper influence and foreign interference, which are currently under investigation despite the election results being certified. Abbas dismissed these suspicions regarding his party, stating, "We welcome the decision to investigate, we are confident in ourselves." He added that previous legal opinions concerning Ra'am and its affiliated organizations refute claims of supporting terrorism or financial impropriety.

Member of Knesset Yoav Segalovitz, who joined Ra'am's list before the elections, explained his unusual political choice, stating he felt compelled to "break the paradigm" for the good of the country after reading the Declaration of Independence. He deliberated for eight months before joining Abbas, now convinced it was the right decision.

President Herzog posed critical questions to Abbas regarding Ra'am's stance on Israel and Zionism, asking if Ra'am recognizes Israel as the state of the Jewish people. He also directly questioned Abbas about Hamas: "Do you see Hamas as a terrorist organization?" Abbas did not provide a direct yes or no, instead referencing the historical position of the Islamic Movement, stating that since the Oslo Accords, Sheikh Darwish has unequivocally opposed attacks, a path Ra'am continues. Abbas asserted that no one from Ra'am has been investigated for treason or identifying with a terrorist organization, and argued that "it is impossible to constantly put us to the test of loyalty." He outlined his political vision as the establishment of two states and the disarmament of armed groups. Abbas further explained his reluctance to explicitly label Hamas as a terrorist organization by stating he needs "room to be a bridge and to protect myself and my family, this is pikuach nefesh" (saving a life).

Following the meeting, Ra'am's recommendation of Eisenkot remains, alongside the unresolved questions about the party's positions. While the recommendation contributes to efforts to form a new government, it does not guarantee Ra'am's inclusion in the future coalition.