Arab Parties Struggle to Form Joint List Ahead of Israeli Elections Amid Disputes
Efforts to establish a joint electoral list among three Arab parties in Israel, Hadash, Balad, and Ta'al, have stalled due to disagreements over candidate placements. The reconciliation committee proposed a distribution of list positions, but Ta'al, led by MK Ahmad Tibi, rejected the offer, claiming it undermines the party and its voters. Despite ongoing attempts to bridge the gaps, no final agreement has been reached, and the possibility of Ta'al running independently remains unlikely but unresolved.
Former MK Mazen Gnaim, now head of the National Committee for Arab Local Authorities, has offered the committee's mediation services to help unify the parties, emphasizing the importance of Arab electoral unity to increase voter turnout and influence. However, the committee currently lacks an official mandate from the parties, with two parties reportedly agreeing to the proposal while Ta'al opposes it.
Ta'al criticized the reconciliation committee's proposal as biased and exceeding its mandate, arguing it reflects prior understandings between Hadash and Balad without genuine consensus. The party stressed it is not against unity in principle but refuses any arrangement that diminishes its representation. Conversely, Hadash welcomed the committee's decision and urged moving forward with the joint list to challenge the Netanyahu government.
The proposed list places Hadash leader Youssef Jabareen first, Ahmad Tibi second, and Sami Abu Shehadeh third, followed by candidates from all three parties. The dispute over Ta'al's placement remains a key obstacle. Gnaim warned that failure to unite could weaken Arab political power and allow the right-wing to form the next government, which would negatively impact Arab communities and local authorities.
Gnaim also supported the potential inclusion of retired police commissioner Yoav Segalovich in Ra'am, highlighting his positive reputation in Arab localities for combating violence. Arab society constitutes about 21% of Israel's population, and Gnaim stressed its right to significant influence in the next government. With the election approaching, the Arab political map remains uncertain, as divisions threaten to split the vote between Ra'am and a possible joint list of Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad, or even lead to multiple competing lists if no agreement is reached.
