Ra'am Chairman Abbas Seeks Role in Next Israeli Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas stated his party seeks to join the next Israeli government, predicting the "Netanyahu bloc" will soon be in opposition. His comments precede the 26th Knesset swearing-in amid coalition talks. "Change bloc" leader Yair Golan sees no obstacle in Abbas's stance on Hamas. Secret talks between Netanyahu's confidant Natan Eshel and Abbas were previously reported, aiming to prevent Ra'am's support for an alternative government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas wants his party to be part of the next Israeli government.
- Abbas predicted the "Netanyahu bloc" would become the opposition within hours.
- Yair Golan stated he does not see Abbas's stance on Hamas as a coalition obstacle.
- Netanyahu confidant Natan Eshel held secret talks with Abbas before the election.
- Ra'am is negotiating with the "change bloc" for a potential coalition role.
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am faction, declared on Tuesday that his party is actively working to replace the current Israeli government and aims to be part of the next coalition. Abbas predicted that the "Netanyahu bloc" would become the opposition within hours, emphasizing Ra'am's desire for a "basic right" to join the incoming government. His statements came shortly before the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, amidst ongoing political negotiations between the "change bloc" and Arab parties.
Abbas did not deny reports about political contacts and conditions for joining the coalition when questioned during a faction meeting. He asserted that Ra'am's inclusion in the next government would bolster Israel's stability and international image, strengthening its democracy and global standing by integrating diverse parties and populations.
Meanwhile, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, addressed the issue of whether Abbas would publicly declare Hamas a terrorist organization, a stance he has previously avoided. Golan stated that he does not view this as an obstacle to political cooperation, believing all declarations will emerge from negotiations. He had previously urged the "Resilience bloc" to form a government quickly, advocating for the inclusion of Arab parties and the Arab public in the coalition.
Recent reports revealed that Natan Eshel, a confidant of Benjamin Netanyahu, had engaged in repeated secret talks with Abbas. Eshel's efforts, occurring before, during, and after the elections, aimed to prevent Abbas from supporting an alternative government led by Gadi Eisenkot, seeking to ascertain if Ra'am would provide a safety net for such a government.
While Netanyahu campaigns against relying on Arab parties, political contacts between the "change bloc" and Ra'am continue. Leaders of the Joint List met with Golan this week to coordinate efforts toward achieving the 67-mandate parliamentary majority secured in the elections.
Mentioned
