Right-Wing Parties Demand Mansour Abbas's Disqualification Amid Controversy

A political storm erupted in Israel following remarks by Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, who stated that his recognition of Israel as a Jewish state was forced upon him to avoid disqualification from the Knesset elections. Abbas emphasized that he does not deny the Nakba or the Palestinian narrative, asserting that his approach aims to strengthen the political influence of the Arab public.

In response, right-wing politicians launched a fierce attack on Abbas. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused Abbas of practicing "taqiya," presenting a moderate stance publicly while holding different views privately. Gilad Erdan, head of the Unity party, claimed Abbas seeks an Islamic caliphate rather than accepting a Jewish state. Knesset member Tali Gottlieb argued that Abbas’s recognition of the Jewish state was merely a tactic to prevent his disqualification and called for Ra'am to be barred from the elections.

The Otzma Yehudit party announced plans to petition for Abbas’s disqualification, linking his statements to concerns about potential future cooperation with figures like Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eizenkot. Similarly, Ofer Winter, leader of the "Amcha Israel" party, stated that anyone who does not recognize Israel as a Jewish state should not be allowed to serve in the Knesset. Yoaz Hendel, head of the Zionist Home - Reservists party, said Abbas is unfit not only for government but also for Knesset membership.

Despite the escalating controversy, as of midday, Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eizenkot, and Avigdor Lieberman had not issued any public response. This silence is notable given their previous involvement in coalitions supported by Ra'am or discussions about future cooperation with the party.

Earlier on the day of the controversy, Abbas posted in Arabic explaining that the recognition of the Jewish state was a forced condition to avoid disqualification and reaffirmed his commitment to the Palestinian narrative and the Nakba. He framed his political strategy as one of partnership and influence to empower the Arab community within Israel.