Arab Israeli Party Leader Seeks Coalition Role, Sidesteps Hamas Terror Label
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the United Arab List (Ra'am), announced his party's intention to join the next Israeli government, viewing it as a way to advance Arab society's needs. He avoided directly labeling Hamas a terrorist organization, deferring the decision to coalition talks. Abbas also thanked Bedouin voters in the Negev and criticized opposition parties for inciting against Arab society.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ra'am party chairman Mansour Abbas seeks to join the next Israeli coalition government.
- Abbas stated Ra'am views government participation as a right and a tool for Arab society.
- He avoided directly calling Hamas a terrorist organization, deferring to coalition talks.
- Abbas thanked Bedouin voters in the Negev for their support.
- He accused opposition parties of inciting against Arab society.
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the United Arab List (Ra'am) party, announced on Tuesday that his party aims to join the upcoming coalition government. Speaking ahead of the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, Abbas stated that Ra'am views participation in the government as a fundamental civil right and a key tool for advancing the needs of Arab society, while also contributing to all citizens. When directly questioned by journalists about whether his party would recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, Abbas avoided an immediate affirmative response, stating the issue would be discussed and resolved during coalition negotiations. He added that the party condemns all terrorist acts and supports the Trump plan, which includes the disarmament of Hamas.
Abbas expressed pride in Ra'am's electoral performance, noting its leading position among the Arab public, and extended special thanks to Bedouin voters in the Negev. He also criticized parties expected to be in the opposition, accusing them of continued incitement and persecution against Arab society, which he described as a growth engine rather than a burden on the state.
