Arab Parties Near Political Unity After Negotiation Breakthrough Ahead of Elections

The Arab political parties Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad are expected to announce their electoral alliance this coming Saturday, following a breakthrough in negotiations reported on Tuesday. The talks had previously collapsed due to Ta'al chairman and Knesset member Ahmad Tibi's refusal to accept the second and ninth spots on the joint list. However, after a meeting between Hadash chairman Yousef Jabareen and former Ta'al Knesset member Osama Saadi, near-final agreements were reached. The breakthrough reportedly came after Ta'al was promised additional roles beyond list positions, including the deputy Knesset speaker, a representative on the Finance Committee, and the faction chairmanship.

Ahmad Tibi issued an ultimatum stating that Ta'al would convene on Wednesday to discuss the updated proposal from Hadash and Balad, with internal elections for the list scheduled for Friday. Barring surprises, the three parties will officially declare their alliance on Saturday. This development follows last week's rejection by Tibi of a reconciliation committee's arrangement, which had allocated Hadash the 1st, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th spots; Balad the 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 11th; and Ta'al the 2nd and 9th positions on the joint list.