Arab Mayor for Jerusalem? Sovereignty Movement Warns of Political Shift
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Judith Katzover of the Sovereignty Movement warns that a government reliant on Arab parties could lead to an Arab candidate winning the Jerusalem mayorship. She fears the PA may leverage national election results to influence Jerusalem's municipal elections, where Arabs constitute 38.2% of the population. Katzover also advocates for new elections, criticizing potential left-wing coalitions as ideologically driven by opposition to Netanyahu and the right-wing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sovereignty Movement leader warns Arab parties' influence could lead to an Arab mayor in Jerusalem.
- Arab population in Jerusalem is 38.2%, largely abstaining from municipal votes until now.
- PA may encourage Arab voting in Jerusalem to advance its ideological goals, Katzover claims.
- Katzover suggests new elections are necessary, criticizing potential left-wing government coalitions.
- She believes voters disillusioned with recent election outcomes will impact future results.
A leader of the Sovereignty Movement, Judith Katzover, has warned of critical potential consequences for Jerusalem's future if a government reliant on Arab parties is formed. She expressed concern over the recent election results and discussions about depending on Arab factions, stating that such Arab success is "very problematic" and that Arab leadership "wants to take over the State of Israel." Katzover fears that the Palestinian Authority (PA) may learn from the national election outcomes and seek to replicate them in Jerusalem.
Katzover highlighted that 38.2 percent of Jerusalem's residents are Arab, a population that has largely abstained from voting in municipal elections, following PA directives to deny recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. However, she believes this could change as Arabs witness the influence of election results, gain confidence, and are courted by Jewish parties. Katzover suggested that an Arab candidate for mayor could win if the city's Arab population votes en masse, especially if they form a coalition with left-wing factions in the city council.
She speculated that the PA, which previously instructed Arabs not to vote for ideological reasons, might alter its stance for similar ideological motives and a strategic plan to control Jerusalem. Katzover believes that "their appetite grows as they hear the results and see the sights." The next municipal elections are approximately two years away, providing ample time for Arab organization and the nomination of a candidate supported by East Jerusalem Arabs, particularly if the national election results lead to a government dependent on Arab votes.
Katzover also commented on the potential for a new government, suggesting that new elections are unavoidable. She stated, "I don't see a unity government option." She described one side as "begging for unity" and the other as solely focused on removing Netanyahu and the right-wing without "red lines," masking their agenda with an ideological guise of partnership with "enemies with rights" rather than equal citizens. Katzover anticipates that voters who were misled by the focus on Haredi enlistment in the recent elections, and those who supported figures like Liberman and Bennett, will experience a "sobering up" that will be reflected in future election results.
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