Ra'am Leader Mansour Abbas Defends Israel's Jewish Identity and Advocates Palestinian State Recognition

Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, addressed criticism of his positions on Israel's Jewish character, civil service for Arab citizens, and the Nakba in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Abbas argued that his statements have been distorted and clarified that Israel's Jewish identity is a reality imposed on Arab citizens, not a choice made by them. He explained that Arab parties had to accept this reality to avoid disqualification from Knesset and local elections.

Abbas reaffirmed his well-known stance supporting Palestinian self-determination and recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. This marks a tonal shift from his 2021 remarks, when he stated that Israel was born as a Jewish state and would remain so. Regarding civil service, Abbas said Ra'am supports voluntary Arab initiatives that are non-military and opposes the current form of national civil service.

On the Nakba, Abbas emphasized he does not deny the Palestinian narrative of displacement but said his political approach aims to influence reality and prevent a "new Nakba" or further expulsions. He stated his primary goal is to replace what he called the "racist and fascist government" with a less harmful one that includes meaningful Arab participation, even at personal cost.

Last weekend, Ra'am held its 28th national conference with about 1,050 members, where candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections were selected. In his speech, Abbas called for Arab-Jewish partnership, citing cooperation in hospitals and workplaces as a remedy to racism and fascism. He also urged U.S. and Israeli recognition of the Palestinian state, saying peace between Israel and Palestine would end occupation and conflict, with Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel serving as a bridge for reconciliation and security for all people in the region and beyond.