Ra'am Leader Mansour Abbas Declares Palestinian State Exists, Netanyahu Rejects It

At the 28th national conference of the Ra'am party held in Tayibe with about 1,050 members attending, Chairman Mansour Abbas emphasized the party's political integration and its role in testing Israeli democracy. Abbas stated that the participation of an Arab party in the coalition has become a real political possibility. He declared, "The State of Palestine exists and stands," urging Israel and the United States to recognize it. Abbas also highlighted that Arab citizens of Israel could serve as a bridge to achieving peace and ending the conflict.

The conference concluded with Mansour Abbas leading the party list for the upcoming Knesset elections, followed by Walid Taha, Walid al-Huashla, Iman Khatib-Yasin (in the reserved women's slot), and Yasser Hajirat in fifth place. The remaining list positions will be decided later by Ra'am's executive committee, which also gained authority to approve alliances with independent candidates. One potential candidate mentioned is Yoav Segalovich, a former Deputy Minister of Public Security who recently left Yesh Atid.

Ra'am leaders presented the party as a "big home" for the Arab community, stressing the difference between opposition activity and influence within the coalition. MK Walid Taha said Ra'am does not merely present demands but works politically to find solutions.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated firmly that as long as he is prime minister, no Palestinian state controlled by Iran will be established, neither in Gaza nor in the West Bank. He criticized the left-wing coalition for partnering with the Muslim Brotherhood and accused them of supporting Tibi and Balad supporters while boycotting Likud voters.