Arab Parties Back Eisenkot for Prime Minister, Abbas Dodges Hamas Question

The Joint List party announced Thursday it will recommend Gadi Eisenkot for the mandate to form a government, following a unanimous decision after internal consultations. The party expressed criticism of the anti-Netanyahu bloc, stating it has not yet demonstrated sufficient willingness to confront Netanyahu's methods, combat incitement against Arab citizens, or legitimize their political choices. Earlier, the Ra'am party also recommended Eisenkot. During consultations with President Yitzhak Herzog, MK Mansour Abbas was asked if he views Hamas as a terrorist organization. Abbas avoided a direct answer, later explaining that a definitive response could endanger him and his family. He stated, "We are in a war with Hamas as a criminal terrorist organization. Are you seeing Hamas as a terrorist organization?" he asked explicitly. Abbas responded, "We were an Islamic movement even before we became Ra'am as a political party. You cannot always put us to this test, the test of loyalty, adherence to the law, respect for people and their security, you cannot." The President's office director later pressed Abbas on why he wouldn't explicitly define Hamas as a terrorist group. Abbas then directly addressed the reason, stating, "I have an answer, but leave me room to be a bridge and to protect myself and my family, this is saving a life."