Accra:Yousef Jabareen, the leader of the Joint List, an Arab political alliance in Israel, has stated that the bloc holds the power to influence the downfall of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Jabareen emphasized the alliance's capability to set conditions for any future governing coalition.
According to Anadolu Agency, Jabareen declared that the alliance would utilize "all available tools" to facilitate a change in government. He noted that, based on current data, an alternative government to the existing coalition led by Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich could not be formed without engaging in negotiations with the Joint List.
Describing the upcoming election as "existential," Jabareen highlighted the significance of the vote concerning the future of Arab citizens in Israel. He accused the Israeli government of escalating actions against Arab citizens and criticized its policies for pushing the country and the region toward a crisis.
The Joint List's unification of various parties and political circles reflects the Arab community's call for increased political unity. Jabareen stated that this unity provides Arab citizens with greater political leverage and the ability to act as a "safety net" for their people.
Among the bloc's demands are measures to combat crime, end home demolitions, approve master plans, provide land for young couples, and recognize unrecognized Arab villages in the Negev. Jabareen stressed that any party seeking the Joint List's support must negotiate over these demands.
Furthermore, Jabareen condemned actions such as the "genocide in Gaza," "ethnic cleansing in the West Bank," and incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening the political representation of Arab citizens in Israel.
A recent Israeli opinion poll suggested that the Jewish opposition would require the support of Arab lawmakers to form an alternative government to Netanyahu's coalition. However, the poll also indicated that a majority of Israelis are against Arab parties joining the next government in the Knesset. Current polls show that neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the Jewish opposition can independently secure a governing majority ahead of the election on October 26. Most Jewish opposition party leaders have publicly opposed relying on Arab lawmakers for forming an alternative government.