Mansour Abbas Defends Acceptance of Jewish State to Avoid Disqualification, Does Not Deny Nakba

Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, addressed foundational issues of the State of Israel in a post published in Arabic on August 26. Responding to criticism over his previous remarks describing Zionist groups as having conquered Palestine, Abbas clarified that he does not deny the Nakba or the Palestinian narrative. He called accusations against him fabrications and emphasized that while his political approach has evolved to emphasize partnership and influence, this does not negate the historical Palestinian experience of displacement and loss.

Abbas explained that accepting the Jewish character of the state was a necessary political compromise to avoid disqualification from running for the Knesset. He questioned whether adopting a different political language and approach might better reflect the truth of the Nakba, learn from historical experience, and present a practical vision for the future. Abbas suggested that such a shift could help address ongoing injustices, prevent further displacement, and move beyond the historical narrative to create a hopeful future narrative for Palestinians.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the role of Arab parties in Israeli politics and the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. Abbas’s stance highlights the tension between political pragmatism and maintaining Palestinian historical memory within the Israeli political framework.