עבאס נשאל על חמאס והשיב: "תן לשמור על משפחתי"

During consultations for the formation of the next government, President Isaac Herzog questioned Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas about his refusal to explicitly define Hamas as a terrorist organization. Abbas avoided a direct yes or no answer, later explaining that a clear response could endanger him and his family. Herzog pressed the issue, asking, "We are at war with Hamas as a heinous terrorist organization. Do you see Hamas as a terrorist organization?"

Abbas responded by stating that Ra'am was previously an Islamic movement and that they cannot constantly be put to the test of loyalty, adherence to the law, and respect for people's dignity and security. Later in the meeting, the Director-General of the President's Residence also inquired why Abbas was unwilling to explicitly label Hamas as a terrorist group. Abbas then directly addressed the reason, saying, "I have an answer, but leave me room to be a bridge and to protect myself and my family; this is a matter of life and death."