Arab Kingmaker Signals Shift on Hamas, Demands Partnership
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Mansour Abbas, head of the Arab Israeli party Ra'am, has signaled a willingness to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization in exchange for a "genuine partnership" with Gadi Eisenkot's National Unity party. This potential inclusion in a future coalition comes as negotiations are underway in Jerusalem. While some, like Naama Lazimi, support Ra'am's participation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned against relying on "Islamist parties that support terrorism." Abbas cited personal safety and his role as a "bridge" to Palestinians as reasons for his nuanced stance on Hamas.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mansour Abbas of Ra'am may recognize Hamas as terrorist in exchange for partnership with Gadi Eisenkot's party.
- Ra'am's potential inclusion in a coalition is being discussed amid ongoing government formation talks.
- Naama Lazimi supports Ra'am's participation, citing their recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
- Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Islamist parties supporting terrorism threaten Israel from within.
- Abbas cited personal safety and his role as a "bridge" to Palestinians for his stance on Hamas.
- Abbas supports a two-state solution and the disarmament of armed groups like Hamas.
Mansour Abbas, the head of the Arab Israeli party Ra'am, has indicated a potential shift in his stance, suggesting a willingness to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. However, this concession comes with a demand for a "genuine partnership" from Gadi Eisenkot's National Unity party. While the "Alliance of Change" is currently focused on forming a government with ultra-Orthodox parties, the possibility of including Ra'am in the coalition remains open. Negotiations for coalition building are ongoing in Jerusalem, led by Eisenkot.
Sources close to the talks report that Abbas has signaled his agreement to a fourth condition set by Eisenkot's party for potential coalition partners. This condition is in addition to three others: recognizing Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state, accepting the principles of the Declaration of Independence, and supporting military, national, or civil service for all Israeli citizens. Although Abbas has not officially confirmed full acceptance of all conditions, he previously stated in 2021 that "The State of Israel was born as a Jewish state, and so it will remain."
Naama Lazimi of The Democrats party supports Ra'am's inclusion in the government, echoing her party chairman Yair Golan's view. Lazimi noted that Ra'am has declared its recognition of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and its Declaration of Independence. She also pointed to Ra'am's placement of Yoav Segalovitz, a former police commander, high on its candidate list and its proposal for a civil service framework for all Arab citizens, emphasizing that "20 percent of the population cannot be ignored any longer."
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, warned the Knesset that "Islamist parties that support terrorism threaten Israel from within," asserting that any government relying on them endangers the country. He stated, "Radical Islam is the challenge that today tears entire countries apart in Europe, and it is also the challenge that threatens us." Netanyahu reiterated his call for a "broad national government" under his leadership, a proposal Eisenkot has rejected.
Abbas faces challenges in clearly classifying Hamas as a terrorist organization, despite unequivocally condemning the October 7th attacks and assisting displaced Israelis. He explained this difficulty by citing his desire to act as a "bridge" to Palestinians and concerns for his own safety and that of his family. Abbas supports a two-state solution and the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, aligning with the principles of former US President Donald Trump's peace plan.
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