Israeli Arab parties open to cooperation against Netanyahu

Following Israel’s parliamentary elections, the Joint List thanked voters and said it was ready to work with the opposition bloc to prevent Benjamin Netanyahu’s government from being re-formed.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that foreign media outlets have carried the statement.

In a written statement, the list said the Arab community had turned out in large numbers, aware of the critical tensions of the current political period. It said the high turnout had turned election day into a joint show of resolve against provocations. The statement also expressed gratitude to democratic Jewish activists and voters who “acted against the racist trend.”

The statement said the Arab community’s strong turnout had played a decisive role in preventing the right-wing coalition led by Netanyahu from securing the majority needed to form a government.

The Joint List said it was open to dialogue with the opposition bloc on forming an alternative government. It said this would require the opposition to offer a genuine political alternative, include Arab representatives and take the community’s rights and demands into account.

According to preliminary results from the elections held on October 27, the ruling bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu won 53 seats, while the opposition bloc headed by former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot secured 48. The Joint List and the United Arab List (“Ra’am”), which represent Palestinians who are Israeli citizens, won a combined 19 seats, their highest level of representation in the Knesset to date.