Joint List Leaders Urge EU to Increase Pressure on Israel Over Arab Minority Rights

Leaders of the Joint List, a political alliance of Arab parties in Israel, met with European Union ambassadors in Tel Aviv on Thursday to present their concerns about Israeli government policies and to call for greater European involvement. The meeting took place shortly after the announcement of the unified list formed by Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad ahead of upcoming elections. Participants included Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen, Knesset members Ahmad Tibi and Ofer Cassif, former MK Sami Abu Shahadeh, and candidate Jaafar Farah.

During the meeting at the EU offices, the Joint List leaders emphasized the importance of their alliance to boost voter turnout among Arab citizens and expand Arab representation in the Knesset. They accused Israeli authorities of attempting to disqualify Arab candidates and lists, which they said infringes on the political and civil rights of Arab Israelis. They also criticized Israeli government policies as contrary to international consensus and obstructive to achieving a political settlement.

The leaders outlined key challenges facing the Arab community in Israel, including rising violence and crime, housing and land shortages, home demolitions, lack of recognition for Bedouin villages in the Negev, and insufficient funding for development, education, industry, and social services. They urged the EU to increase its engagement with Israel, asserting that the EU has a vital role in confronting what they described as "racist and extremist policies," defending democracy and human rights, and promoting efforts toward a political resolution.