Turkey throws name of former FM, envoy to Israel into the race for next UN chief

Taibeh, Israel — For decades, a significant portion of the Palestinian population in Israel refrained from participating in elections, viewing it as legitimizing a system they believed oppressed them and ignored their needs. However, the tide had shifted after four years under the most conservative government in Israel's history.

This time, hundreds of thousands of Arab voters chose to exercise their right to vote, turning out in unprecedented numbers – nearly 80 percent, compared to 53 percent in the previous election, according to the Mossawa Center, an organization advocating for equality among Palestinian citizens of Israel. This surge in turnout granted Israel's Arab parties unprecedented influence, securing 19 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

The increased electoral participation was influenced by several factors. First, a surge in violent crime within the Arab community, attributed to perceived neglect by law enforcement. Second, a strong desire to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dismantle his right-wing coalition, which included hardline ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

The fervor against Netanyahu was palpable during the election, with chants of "Ben-Gvir, go home" heard at the Joint List's election headquarters as it became evident of their significant gains. Dr. Ahmad Tibi, a prominent leader of the Joint List, had long urged his community to vote, emphasizing that the high turnout was already making a difference in preventing Netanyahu from forming another right-wing government.

The Palestinian citizens of Israel, comprising 20 percent of the population, are descendants of Palestinians not expelled or forced to flee when Israel was established in 1948. Although they were granted citizenship, they were under military rule until 1966, leading to lingering feelings of discrimination within Israeli society.

Many, like 80-year-old Mohammed Abdelhai's aunt, decided to cast their vote in the town of Tira, central Israel, following her nephew's encouragement. "The last government was very aggressive with us," Abdelhai explained. "This time, we need every vote. Why stay stuck in the same place?"