The new Arab generation in Israel is similar in a way to the new ultra-Orthodox generation. The “new Arab,” much like the “new ultra-Orthodox Jew,” demands civic recognition (no longer as a marginalized minority group but as equal citizen) and understands that in order to achieve that goal, he must be part of the political game. Or, as I was told by Ghanim — my friend from Sakhnin who asked that his full name not be divulged — “We are sick and tired of being the ones on the back rows. We want to be on the playing field, even on the bench, but at least partners.”

A statistics expert who spoke to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity relayed the finding of an academic study carried out in September 2018 regarding the Arab population. The study showed that 77% of the respondents support “integration of Israel’s Arabs in the State instead of fighting it,” and 70% support the statement that “the Joint List party must deal more with the interests of Arab Israelis over those of the Palestinians in the territories.”

The Arab political system in Israel is not indifferent to this civic demand. The Joint List used to include four factions: Ta’al, Hadash, Balad and Ra’am. But in January 2019, Ta’al and Hadash each split from the Joint List alliance, leaving Balad and Ra’am. Ta’al and Hadash are now running on a joint slate. This dismantling reflects the growing demand within the Arab public for a civic approach aspiring to social inclusion.

In fact, the Balad party, which champions turning the State of Israel into a "state of all of its citizens," and the Islamist Ra’am party constitute stumbling blocks in this inclusion trend. These parties object to joining forces with other parties and participating in a Likud-blocking bloc or supporting in any way a coalition. The party’s prominent representatives cannot be considered potential partners to Zionist parties in any political deal. Not former Knesset member Azmi Bashara, who was accused of spying; not former Knesset member Basel Ghattas, who was indicted for smuggling telephones to security prisoners; and certainly not outgoing Knesset member Hanin Zoabi, who had become known for her extremist views.