Arab Parties to Head Knesset Committee on Arab Affairs in New Deal

Cooperation between the Eisenkot bloc and Arab parties is extending to the distribution of Knesset committee positions. As part of emerging understandings, the Joint List is expected to head the Committee on Arab Society Affairs. This role will empower the Joint List to address issues concerning the Arab public and enhance its parliamentary influence in this area. The Likud previously transferred leadership of this committee to the United Arab List, and it is now anticipated to move to the Joint List, signaling a shift in the political entity responsible for overseeing Arab society's affairs within the framework of parliamentary partner agreements.

While the United Arab List is not expected to receive a temporary committee at this stage, discussions are underway regarding the possibility of granting them another oversight committee as part of the broader understandings. The distribution of positions between the two blocs is still being finalized, with temporary committees seen as an additional tool to grant parliamentary influence to the Eisenkot bloc's partners. The bloc is expected to proceed with forming these temporary committees next week, following legal hurdles.

This committee allocation may be part of wider agreements between the parties, reflecting their political cooperation in the Knesset and efforts to garner support for the Eisenkot bloc's initiatives. The Knesset plenum approved the composition of the Organizing Committee yesterday, based on a proposal by Member of Knesset Roee Folkman of the "Yesh Atid" party, with support from Arab parties. The proposal passed with a majority of 63 in favor and 50 against.