Joint List's Youssef Jabareen Sets Conditions for Backing Alternative Coalition

Youssef Jabareen, chairman of the Hadash party and the Joint List, outlined conditions for providing a safety net to an alternative coalition that would topple the current right-wing government in Israel. Jabareen emphasized the need for a genuine commitment to advancing peace with the Palestinians as a primary condition.

In a recent meeting with European Union representatives, Joint List leaders discussed the possibility of international oversight for the upcoming Knesset elections. Jabareen expressed concerns about potential interference by entities linked to the current government, stating that there is a constant fear of negative influence either on election day or afterward. Consequently, they requested European international monitoring, which is currently under consideration.

Jabareen noted that EU representatives welcomed the formation of the Joint List, which unites the three Arab parties Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad, strengthening their political influence. He rejected the approach of Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, who supports joining the coalition to gain influence, arguing that any party joining the government must adhere to its core policies. The crucial question, Jabareen said, is whether the coalition's political platform aligns with his party's stance.

While not ruling out the possibility of the Joint List supporting an alternative coalition, Jabareen specified that such backing would depend on the coalition demonstrating a real intention to pursue peace with the Palestinian people, changing policies toward Arab society, local Arab authorities, and addressing discrimination.