Mansour Abbas Hesitates as Yoav Segalovich Signals Support for Ra'am Alliance

Secret negotiations between Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, and former Deputy Minister of Public Security Yoav Segalovich stirred political debate over the weekend. Reports by Nahum Barnea in ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth revealed a potential alliance between the two, prompting mixed reactions. Right-wing factions viewed the move as an attempt to pave the way for Ra'am's entry into the coalition, while opposition groups suggested it aimed to create a divide between Ra'am and other Arab parties. The talks occurred behind the scenes with the knowledge of opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid.

Segalovich, a Yesh Atid member, agreed in principle to join Ra'am’s list, leaving the decision to Abbas. However, Ra'am insiders expressed reservations about including a Jewish candidate on the Arab party’s list. Over the weekend, Abbas appeared to step back, posting a statement in Arabic to his base emphasizing that it was too early to discuss any union. He outlined that Ra'am’s current focus was on convening its general conference on August 22, 2026, organizing primary elections, and completing party institutions. Abbas stressed that any political alliances or inclusion of independent candidates would be considered later, based on electoral, political, and practical benefits that advance Ra'am’s goals: replacing the "racist right-wing government," supporting an alternative government in which Ra'am participates, and addressing issues like violence, crime, home demolitions, racism, fascism, and promoting equality and justice.

The negotiations reportedly began about seven months ago during a radio interview on an Arabic station in Nazareth, where Abbas first mentioned his intention to include a Jewish candidate, naming Segalovich. Segalovich, who was listening to the interview, was surprised and later engaged in secret talks. His aim is to join as the second candidate on Ra'am’s list to signal that the party is Arab-Jewish and willing to cooperate with a government that would replace Netanyahu’s.

Abbas is expected to make a final decision after Ra'am’s party conference on August 22. Segalovich responded to the reports by stating, "I am in the Together party."