Israel’s Arab parties could hold the key to power

In the upcoming Israeli election, Arab political parties could play a critical role in shaping the country's future leadership. Mansour Abbas, leader of a small Arab party, condemned the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and rarely discusses the Gaza conflict or the occupation of the West Bank, instead focusing on local issues such as crime.

In 2021, Abbas broke the taboo and allowed an Arab party to join the Israeli government, serving as a loyal partner. However, current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rivals have made it clear they will not form a coalition with any Arab-led party after the election on October 27. This stance, characterized by a heavy-handed approach towards Arab political activists, has left Abbas and other Arab politicians poised to wield significant influence in the election result.

Yousef Jabareen, leader of the Joint List of Arab parties, emphasizes that the stakes in the election are "existential" and that their political power must be used to prevent the worsening of the regional situation. Despite discrimination, soaring crime rates, and over-policing, Abbas and his fellow Arab politicians believe that joining a coalition government is their best way to serve their constituents and address local issues like crime and murder, which are disproportionately higher among Palestinian citizens than Jewish Israelis.