This Jewish ex-cop will represent an Islamist party in Israel’s newly elected parliament

SAKHNIN, Israel (AP) — A former Jewish police officer and self-described Zionist is set to join an Arab-led party in Israel's new parliament. Yoav Segalovitz, who declared "We are all Israelis!" during a ceremony, will represent Ra'am, a party that earned eight seats in the recent election. Segalovitz's decision to switch from a centrist Jewish party to Ra'am, an Arab-led coalition, has drawn both curiosity and criticism in Israel.

The country's Jewish-led opposition faces a pivotal question: will they ally with Arab-led parties to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? Arab-led parties secured 18 seats, potentially holding influence over forming a majority government. Segalovitz and Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas aim to demonstrate that Jews and Arabs can collaborate across racial and religious lines for collective progress.

However, some right-wing critics argue Segalovitz's move endangers Israel and sets the stage for Islamic law. Despite the controversy, both Segalovitz and Abbas maintain their partnership advances a vision for Israel's future while bolstering Ra'am's chances for inclusion in a governing coalition.