Arab-Israeli Educator Sees Potential for Pro-Israel Arab Party Amid Voter Disillusionment
Naheel Zoabi, an Arab-Israeli educator and public relations activist, discussed the prospects of establishing a pro-Israel Arab political party in Israel during an interview with Channel 7. Zoabi emphasized that the majority of the Arab sector in Israel remains silent and desires integration and connection with Israeli society, but existing Arab parties, with their well-oiled political machinery, dominate the discourse and prevent this integration.
Zoabi highlighted that about half of the Arab population in Israel abstains from voting, which he interprets as a clear sign of distrust in the current Arab parties. These parties, he said, thrive on the unrest between Jewish and Arab sectors and between the Arab sector and the state. He believes there is a public expectation for a new Arab party that would focus on active citizenship and address key issues such as livelihood, education, health, transportation, employment, and academia, which would attract Arab voters.
He noted the logistical and financial challenges in establishing such a party, given the entrenched presence of longstanding Arab parties with extensive organizational structures. Zoabi also recalled the historical example of the United Arab List, a satellite party of the Labor Party until the latter's collapse in the 1980s, which led to the satellite party's downfall as well.
Since the outbreak of conflict on October 7, Zoabi has dedicated himself exclusively to pro-Israel advocacy in hostile Arab media platforms, conducting over 800 interviews. While he currently refrains from engaging in internal party politics, he does not rule out entering politics in the future to promote coexistence and build a proud Arab-Israeli identity grounded in civic values.
Summary: Naheel Zoabi, an Arab-Israeli educator, believes there is a silent majority in the Arab sector seeking a pro-Israel party focused on civic issues, despite challenges from established parties. He has been active in pro-Israel advocacy and may consider political involvement to foster integration and pride in Arab-Israeli identity.
