Arab Community's Political Power Faces Legitimacy Challenges Post-Election

Fidaa Shehadeh, director of the "Impact" association, stated that the Arab community demonstrated a strong desire for political influence and change through its participation in recent elections. She expressed pride in the high voter turnout, despite years of incitement and racism. Shehadeh noted that in the days following the election, there were increased attempts to delegitimize Arab political representation and question the right of Arab voters to choose their representatives, as if their participation did not grant them influence in government formation. She argued that this discourse targets not only Arab parties but also the legitimacy of Arab voters and all citizens who participated, adding that some Israeli opposition parties have not clearly supported the right of Arab citizens to choose their representatives or engage in political partnership.

She explained the high Arab voter turnout as a desire to halt the deterioration of conditions, citing killings, home demolitions, and incitement, and a fear that the current government's continuation would lead to a worse reality. She emphasized that this vote was not without foresight but expressed a desire for change and a new path, even without immediate expectations of radical policy shifts. Shehadeh pointed out that the turnout occurred despite less extensive party election campaigns within the Arab community, indicating the citizens' strong will to influence their future.

Shehadeh warned against attempts to allow the Arab community influence only within certain limits, without recognizing its right to broader political change or contributing to government change, likening it to a ceiling preventing Arab citizens from reaching positions of real influence. She stated that the Arab vote was influential in the election results, and attempts to question its legitimacy or punish the community for its choices reflect a refusal to accept this influence when it exceeds certain desired boundaries.

Shehadeh also warned that incitement against the Arab community has not stopped since the election, cautioning that continued racist rhetoric could lead to more arrests and restrictions on Arab activists and leaders, as well as potential repercussions on daily life. She did not rule out other escalation scenarios, including the possibility of a new war, given what she described as Prime Minister Netanyahu's potential to escalate when he feels his political position is threatened.

In conclusion, Shehadeh stressed the need for Arab party representatives to prove their ability to work and influence in the coming phase, transforming the electoral power shown into practical steps and continuous political and societal organization. She expressed hope that voices opposing the return of the Netanyahu government, both within the Arab community and among voters who supported the change bloc, will be strengthened, maintaining a degree of optimism despite existing fears and challenges.