Moves to unify Arab lists raise Netanyahu's concerns, legal efforts to ban 'Ra'am'

The political arena in the occupied Palestinian interior is witnessing intensive efforts to unify the ranks of Arab parties ahead of the upcoming general elections next fall. These moves aim to re-form the Joint List with its four components to confront the rise of the far-right and increase the political influence of Palestinians, who constitute one-fifth of the population.

Informed sources reported that intensive meetings were held between the leaders of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, the National Democratic Assembly, the Arab Movement for Change, and the United Arab List (Ra'am). These forces are seeking to overcome previous differences that led to the disintegration of the Joint List, amidst a collective awareness of the seriousness of the current stage.

In contrast, media reports revealed a state of concern prevailing in the corridors of the occupation government, as Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to obstruct this unity by all means. Sources stated that circles close to the Prime Minister are studying legal and security avenues aimed at declaring the United Arab List (Ra'am) a banned organization before the election date.

Israeli allegations against Ra'am, headed by Mansour Abbas, are based on humanitarian activities and donations transferred to the Gaza Strip during the ongoing war of extermination. Observers believe that this step comes within Netanyahu's attempts to reduce Arab representation and ensure the superiority of his right-wing camp in the next Knesset.

Recent opinion polls indicate that the fragmentation of Arab votes may prevent them from passing the electoral threshold, giving far-right parties like Smotrich's party a greater chance to remain. While unity in one list would raise the number of Arab seats to about 15, making them the kingmakers in any future government formation.

For his part, the leader of the opposition 'Democrats' party, Yair Golan, launched a scathing attack on Netanyahu, describing attempts to ban Arab parties as political hypocrisy. Golan stressed that Netanyahu, who accuses 'Ra'am' of terrorism today, is the same one who previously begged Mansour Abbas to support him in forming a government to save his political future.

Golan considered these moves a blatant assault on democratic rules and an attempt to strip Arab citizens of their political legitimacy. He added that Netanyahu feels his political end is near, especially in light of his prosecution before the International Criminal Court on charges of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

On the ground, the three Arab parties (Hadash, Balad, Ta'al) announced in a joint statement their readiness to sign a 'technical list' agreement with Ra'am. The statement affirmed that the goal is to raise the voting percentage and bring down the fascist right-wing project that threatens the Palestinian presence in the interior and the diaspora.

The United Arab List (Ra'am) welcomed this approach, considering that the multi-party technical list model preserves each party's specificity and political discourse while ensuring that votes are not lost. Ra'am indicated that this agreement represents a real step towards success and overcoming the stumbling blocks of previous elections that weakened Arab representation.

MP Ahmad Tibi affirmed that the positive reactions among the parties reflect respect for the specificity of each party without imposing a single approach on everyone. Tibi stressed that unity is the optimal response to the continuous threats of striking down Arab parties and outlawing them by the far-right government.

These developments come at a time when the occupation state is suffering from successive internal crises due to the ongoing wars on Gaza and Lebanon. These wars have caused massive destruction to the infrastructure in the Strip, with the United Nations estimating reconstruction costs at about $70 billion amid the continued suffocating blockade.

Despite fragile ceasefire agreements, occupation forces continue daily shelling operations and restrict the entry of essential humanitarian aid. These aggressions have resulted in thousands of martyrs and wounded, most of them women and children, increasing international and legal pressure on the occupation leaders.

Political analysts believe that the upcoming elections, expected in September or October, will be crucial in determining the course of the internal conflict in Israel. Either Netanyahu succeeds in fortifying himself through far-right alliances, or the opposition, supported by a strong Arab bloc, succeeds in ending his political era.

The biggest bet remains on the awareness of the Palestinian voter in the occupied interior and their ability to overcome frustration and participate heavily in the ballot boxes. Increasing Arab representation does not only mean influencing the identity of the government but also constitutes a first line of defense against the policies of displacement and racial discrimination pursued by religious Zionism.

Netanyahu fully realizes that he is on the verge of losing the elections, and in a desperate attempt to maintain his rule, he seeks to exclude the United Arab List (Ra'am), with whom he previously negotiated.