Newsletters
Allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pursuing political and legal measures to prevent the United Arab List party, known as Ra’am, from participating in Israel’s next parliamentary elections, local media reported on Sunday.
Israel’s Channel 13 reported that the efforts are taking place alongside discussions over potentially designating the southern branch of the Islamic Movement as a terrorist organization.
The broadcaster said talks among Netanyahu allies have centered on possible action against the Islamic Movement, regarded as the parent movement of Ra’am, over allegations that it transferred donations to Gaza during the ongoing war.
The report, citing two unnamed sources close to Netanyahu, said the move would require legislation in the Knesset as well as assessments by Israeli security agencies, particularly the Shin Bet domestic security service.
There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu’s office or Ra’am.
Led by Mansour Abbas, Ra’am became the first Arab party to join an Israeli governing coalition in 2021 under former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid.
The move sparked broad debate within Israel and among Arab communities.
Ra’am currently holds five seats in the Knesset.
According to the report, no date has yet been set for Israel’s next elections, but discussions are taking place as part of broader political preparations ahead of the vote.
Israeli political discourse has seen increasing pressure on Arab parties and movements since the start of the war in Gaza, with right-wing groups repeatedly accusing some Arab factions of “supporting terrorism” over their positions on the conflict and humanitarian activities related to Gaza.
The current Knesset term is due to end in October. However, lawmakers last week approved a preliminary vote to dissolve parliament, potentially opening the way for early elections if the bill passes three additional readings.
The Israeli military launched its offensive in Gaza in October 2023. According to the figures cited in the report, more than 72,000 people have been killed and over 172,000 injured during the conflict.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
