Yoav Segalovich Quits Yesh Atid as Talks to Join Ra'am Advance Amid Polls

MK Yoav Segalovich announced his resignation from the Knesset and departure from the Yesh Atid party on August 8, 2026. Following his announcement, senior officials in the Ra'am party confirmed ongoing negotiations with Segalovich about his potential joining, describing the talks as progressing but not finalized. Ra'am leadership is set to receive comprehensive polling data on August 9 to assess the impact of Segalovich's move on their voter base and the broader Arab community.

The polls, unprecedented in scope within the Arab sector, involve hundreds or possibly thousands of respondents. They aim to evaluate whether Segalovich's integration would strengthen Ra'am by attracting voters from Democratic or Hadash parties or risk alienating core supporters. Ra'am faces internal concerns about the political timing and implications, especially as the party prepares for its first primaries on August 22, which will be conducted independently of the Shura Council and the Islamic Movement, raising additional apprehensions.

A senior Ra'am official told N12 that while the deal is underway, it requires formal approval through party institutions to ensure mutual alignment without compromising either side's identity. Meanwhile, a recent "Ulpan Shishi" poll examined the possibility of the Change Bloc relying on Segalovich as a decisive 61st vote to form a government. Among the general public, 44% doubted this reliance, while 28% supported it. Conversely, 45% of Change Bloc voters favored depending on Segalovich, with 27% opposed.

The final decision within Ra'am is expected before the August 22 primaries, with the party leadership carefully weighing the potential political benefits and risks of Segalovich's entry.