MK Aida Touma-Sliman Calls Sgalovitz-Ra'am Alliance a Political Move, Not Crime Fight

MK Aida Touma-Sliman from Hadash-Ta'al rejects claims that the potential alliance between former minister Yoav Sgalovitz and the Ra'am party aims to combat crime in Arab society. In an interview with Knesset Channel, she described the move as a purely electoral strategy orchestrated by Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas to ease the inclusion of Ra'am in a future coalition without Ra'am formally joining it. Touma-Sliman explained that this arrangement allows Zionist parties to cooperate with Ra'am indirectly, with Sgalovitz acting as a proxy rather than a full party member.

She emphasized that Sgalovitz sets the terms of his association with Ra'am and is unlikely to change his political positions as a result. While respecting Sgalovitz's professional work against crime, she dismissed the narrative that crime fighting is the real motive behind the connection, noting he could continue such efforts through other parties like Yesh Atid. Touma-Sliman warned that despite being a calculated political maneuver, the alliance could have serious repercussions for Arab society.

The alliance has sparked criticism from right-wing groups, who view it as a threat to the state. Touma-Sliman's comments highlight ongoing tensions around Ra'am's role in Israeli politics and the complexities of coalition-building involving Arab parties.