Mansour Abbas Plans Major Overhaul of Ra'am Ahead of Tight Political Deadline
Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, is undertaking a significant restructuring of the party, aiming to present a markedly different image. According to Muhammad Majadle, alongside efforts to bring Yoav Segalovich into Ra'am, former senior officials and members of the Jewish security establishment have already approached Abbas. The party is considering a broad transformation, but faces a tight schedule and numerous obstacles.
Abbas has been open to discussions, emphasizing the importance of support from these new contacts while ensuring the changes strengthen rather than undermine the party's goals. He is seeking a formal commitment or declaration regarding a national service framework for all Arab citizens, which Ra'am must present. Abbas has already accepted key principles such as recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, a stance endorsed by Segalovich.
The deadline for Abbas to implement his proposed changes is August 22, including reforms in the Ra'am primaries, severing ties with the Shura Council and the Islamic Movement, securing two reserved seats, and approving candidates at the general assembly. The plan includes nominating both a Jewish and a Christian candidate and increasing female representation. However, some doubt whether Abbas can push through all these changes within the limited timeframe.
Majadle highlighted that this overhaul is driven by lessons Abbas learned after the collapse of the previous coalition government. Abbas recognized that Ra'am's subordination to bodies like the Shura Council was unpopular among the Israeli public and detrimental to government stability. He has been preparing for this shift and is now acting decisively in what is likely his final term in office, aiming to leave a lasting impact or step down.
This transformation reflects Abbas's desire to reposition Ra'am as a unified Arab list with broader representation and a new political direction, responding to both internal party dynamics and external political pressures.
