Mixed views among Israeli-Arabs over Ra'am party joining coalition
Some Israeli Arabs congratulate Ra'am party head Mansour Abbas for joining the coalition, while others warn he is setting a dangerous precedent in focusing on civil demands only.
Head of Muslim party Ra’am Mansour Abbas participated June 6 in a special meeting that took place at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel. It was the first meeting of the eight heads of parties to participate in the new government since the announcement last week of its imminent composition. Addressing the journalists who arrived there, Abbas declared, “They won’t break us apart, we are strong.” At the end of the meeting, Meretz Chairman Nitzan Horowitz tweeted, “Change is on the way.”
Evidently, this meeting and all the developments that took place last week are nothing short of historic. Especially the photo of Abbas signing a coalition agreement that would establish a government headed by Yamina Chairman Naftali Bennett, who headed in the past the Yesh Council settlement umbrella organization.
Whatever is the outcome of the Israeli political roller-coaster, Abbas will be able to claim to his voters that he had taken an unprecedented step toward the inclusion of Arab citizens in the circle of decision-makers in the country. Still, his optimism would serve him little if the new government is not established. Clearly, the route to this new government is not going to be smooth.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for one does not intend to surrender easily, as he continues to do all he can to thwart the swearing in of the “change government.” This includes allowing a right-wing extremist Jerusalem Day Flag March planned to take place in the Old City June 10, even though this could lead to another bout of violence. Defense Minister Benny Gantz had asked to call it off or change its route, as did several senior police officers. A final decision on the issue has yet to be taken.
