Ra'am Leader Mansour Abbas Advances Partnership with Yoav Segalovich Ahead of New Israeli Government

Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, discussed in a Saturday interview on 'Meet the Press' the party's ongoing efforts to include Yoav Segalovich in Ra'am's Knesset faction ahead of the next Israeli government formation. Abbas clarified that Segalovich will not become a Ra'am party member but will join as part of the faction, emphasizing the symbolic importance of cooperation between diverse citizens rather than political legitimacy for Ra'am. "We already sat in government; no one can take away that legitimacy," Abbas said, referring to Ra'am's previous participation in a coalition.

Abbas stressed that Ra'am's strategic goal is to replace the current government with a stable "change government" that will last four years. He praised Segalovich's qualifications for the role of Minister of Public Security, noting his experience combating crime and violence. Abbas himself is considering his role in the next government but prioritizes stability and policy continuity over personal positions.

Addressing past controversial statements, Abbas said he no longer holds those views and highlighted a recent official party document promoting mutual recognition and coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Israel. He also mentioned Ra'am's plan to advance a civilian service framework for Arab youth in the upcoming government, aiming to balance national and civic identities.

During Ra'am's party conference on Saturday, Abbas reaffirmed the party's recognition of the State of Palestine and its efforts to gain recognition from Israel and the United States, aiming for peace and an end to occupation. These remarks drew swift criticism from Israeli political figures including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and opposition leader Gilad Erdan, who rejected any recognition of a Palestinian state.

Abbas dismissed claims that Segalovich's inclusion is about legitimizing Ra'am politically, framing it instead as a social and civic initiative to improve Jewish-Arab relations amid ongoing tensions following recent violence and political attacks.