Mansour Abbas Offers Hand to Form Government; Rejection Betrays Voters

Mansour Abbas, the leader of the Arab Israeli party Ra'am, has reportedly expressed a willingness to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, provided that the "change bloc" of parties committed to ousting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to a genuine partnership with Ra'am. This potential declaration, if made, is seen as a significant development that could remove a key obstacle to forming a government not led by Netanyahu. The author argues that rejecting Abbas's offer would be a betrayal of voters and democracy, especially after the removal of this central impediment.

Abbas's potential statement is described as a courageous act of leadership, acknowledging the personal risks involved and the complex societal views within Palestinian society where Hamas is also seen as a political and social movement. The article stresses that while understanding these complexities, Hamas must unequivocally be recognized as a terrorist organization due to its actions. If Abbas makes this declaration, it could fundamentally alter the perception of legitimacy for Arab parties participating in an Israeli government.

Ahmed Tibi, a member of the Joint List, has stated that his party does not seek to join a government but is willing to support one led by Gadi Eisenkot from the outside, even in difficult security situations. This position, if maintained, would provide a stable base of support, with the Joint List and Ra'am together potentially offering 67 Knesset seats, 56 of which could form a coalition.

The article also addresses the role of Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, suggesting that any agreement with ultra-Orthodox parties should not compromise on essential issues like a genuine conscription law and core curriculum studies. Lieberman is cautioned against using opposition to Arab partnership as an excuse to abandon these critical reforms. The author warns that if Lieberman obstructs a government supported by Ra'am even after Abbas's declaration, he and his party will bear significant responsibility for the failure to form a government.

The piece concludes by emphasizing the moral and democratic implications for Israel's standing in the world if it continues to exclude Arab parties from partnership after their leaders condemn terrorism and agree to government principles. Such exclusion could deepen alienation among Arab citizens of Israel, hindering the development of a shared society and undermining Israel's claims of democratic equality. The author urges Israeli leaders to accept Abbas's outstretched hand, stressing that integrating Arab citizens into political life is a matter of basic civil rights and a clear Israeli interest.