Arab Leaders Avoid Labeling Hamas as Terrorist
Arab leaders in Israel’s Knesset refuse to call Hamas a terrorist group, sparking public backlash.
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Arab leaders in Israel’s Knesset sparked public outrage this week by avoiding direct questions and refusing to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, despite their efforts to influence the country’s next coalition government. The political tensions emerged during post-election consultations hosted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog at his official residence, where party leaders met to determine who should form the next ruling majority following the 26th Knesset vote.
Abbas and Jabareen Sidestep Key Questions
When Herzog asked Ra’am party chief Mansour Abbas whether his faction viewed Hamas as a terror group, Abbas evaded the question, calling it an “insulting test of loyalty.” This avoidance continued when Herzog pressed representatives from the Arab Joint List, led by Yousef Jabareen, on whether they would continue supporting the Israeli government if it went to war with Hamas or Iran. Jabareen refused to commit, stating his faction would make a “purely strategic decision” to promote its own interests. He also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for inciting division between Israelis and Arabs.
Arab Factions Endorse Eisenkot for Leadership
Despite the political pushback, both Arab factions formally endorsed Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot of the “Change Bloc” to lead Israel’s next administration. However, the public backlash has been significant. A new Kantar Institute survey revealed that an overwhelming majority of Jewish voters strongly reject any “Change Bloc” administration that relies on the backing of Ra’am alongside the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism faction.
Voter Opposition to Arab-Islamist Coalition Grows
Voter opposition to a deal with the Arab-Islamist party isn’t limited to the right wing. More than half of self-described Change Bloc voters themselves oppose cutting a deal with Ra’am to seize power, while centrists and left-leaning voters remain deeply skeptical. With Herzog set to wrap up talks with remaining factions, the refusal of key Arab lawmakers to take a firm stand against Israel’s deadliest adversaries is casting doubt on Eisenkot’s path to power.
Source: Daily Wire
