Joint List Willing to Pave Way for Netanyahu's Ouster

The Chairman of the Joint List, Yousef Jabareen, has declared his party's readiness to help oust the current Netanyahu government, emphasizing that an equitable Jewish-Arab partnership is the path forward. These statements come amid ongoing discussions with parties in the "Change Bloc" about forming an alternative government. Jabareen stated, "We are ready and prepared to pave the way for the ouster of the Netanyahu government." He contrasted the current "government of blood" and politics of supremacy, racism, and exclusion with an alternative based on "true and equal Jewish-Arab partnership."

Sami Abu Shehadeh, Chairman of Balad, who withdrew from the Knesset race after his disqualification was upheld by the Supreme Court, outlined conditions for cooperation with Gadi Eisenkot in an interview with Qatar's Al-Araby channel. Abu Shehadeh demanded an end to incitement against Arab parties and their legitimacy, seeking a "reasonable Israeli partner" who respects human rights and avoids condescending or unequal treatment. He asserted that if such a partner emerges, committed to peace, fighting racism, and ensuring equality, freedom, and justice for both peoples, they will find a willing political ally in the Arab parties. Abu Shehadeh also claimed that Netanyahu's bloc has effectively lost the election, dropping from 68 to 54 Knesset seats, and that racism is preventing Eisenkot from forming a government despite having a majority.

Yair Golan, in a social media post, argued that the "Change Bloc" has a majority of 65 seats and the responsibility to form a government in partnership with Arab citizens of Israel, serving all Israelis. He stressed the need to abandon fear and racism, asserting that the vote of every Israeli citizen holds equal weight regardless of their origin.

Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi of the Joint List confirmed ongoing talks with "Change Bloc" parties, stating their desire to help replace the government. Tibi indicated the Joint List might not be an organic part of the next government but is open to dialogue, seeking progress on issues like crime in the Arab community, housing, infrastructure, and halting incitement. He recalled the party previously recommended Benny Gantz, who later joined Netanyahu. Tibi also announced the Joint List's intention to vote for the opposition's candidate for Knesset Speaker to facilitate the government's replacement.

In the same interview, Tibi declined to label Hamas a terrorist organization, stating he did not want to answer such questions and had already condemned the October 7th atrocities. He questioned the repeated focus on this issue for Arab MKs, asking if all Palestinian factions should be labeled terrorist organizations.