Ex-Lawmaker Yoav Segalovitch Joins Arab Party Ra'am Ahead of Elections

Former Knesset member Yoav Segalovitch officially joined the United Arab List (Ra'am) party, led by Mansour Abbas, announcing the move at a joint press conference on Monday. Segalovitch, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Public Security and head of the Police Investigations Department, resigned from the Knesset weeks ago, stating his intention to continue public service in a different capacity.

Abbas highlighted that Ra'am prioritizes the civil issues of Arab citizens, particularly the pervasive crime and violence within the community. He described Segalovitch as a professional partner from the "change government" who "spent his life confronting criminals without asking their religion." Abbas credited their joint work for a tangible reduction in crime rates, stating, "For the first time in years, the graph has reversed." He emphasized that crime is a national issue, not solely an Arab one, as weapons and extortion schemes affect both Arab and Jewish communities.

Segalovitch stated he would not change Ra'am, nor would they change him, but expressed a willingness for political cooperation based on trust and mutual recognition. He acknowledged past grievances but stressed the importance of leadership in changing reality and building a better future, refuting claims that partnership with Arabs is impossible after October 7th.

The move comes as Arab parties organize for upcoming elections. While Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad have agreed to run on a joint list, Ra'am will run separately. Segalovitch's decision to join an Arab party is considered unprecedented for a former security and law enforcement official, continuing his focus on internal security and crime fighting in a new political arena.