Jerusalem:Mansour Abbas, leader of Israel's United Arab List (Ra'am), announced that an associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to him regarding the formation of the next government. This outreach comes despite Netanyahu's recent criticisms of Arab parties.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Abbas revealed in an interview with Israel's public broadcaster that Natan Eshel, an associate of Netanyahu, contacted him to discuss Ra'am's stance on a proposed law. This law aims to prevent individuals facing criminal charges from serving as prime minister. Eshel also inquired whether Ra'am might join a coalition to potentially replace Netanyahu's government.
The proposed legislation, often referred to as the 'accused law,' seeks to bar Knesset members facing serious criminal charges from forming or leading a government. While former Justice Minister Gideon Saar introduced a draft of this bill in October 2021, similar proposals in 2022 did not pass. Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, recently expressed intentions to push for the law's passage, with opposition lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot also promising amendments.
Netanyahu is currently on trial for charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Present Israeli law does not disqualify a person facing criminal charges from serving as prime minister based solely on an indictment.
Abbas criticized Netanyahu, stating that Netanyahu considers Arab citizens legitimate only when it benefits him politically. He also highlighted that Netanyahu had not publicly responded to these allegations.
Additionally, Abbas condemned Netanyahu's recent speech in the Knesset, accusing him of inciting against Arab citizens and their representatives, which Abbas claims endangered his and his family's safety.
Regarding cooperation with Eisenkot, Abbas expressed readiness to support the formation of a government that could replace Netanyahu's administration, emphasizing the need to address violence and crime affecting Arab society.
Gadi Eisenkot has been tasked by President Isaac Herzog to form a government, having received recommendations from 67 Knesset members. Eisenkot requires the backing of at least 61 of the 120 Knesset members to achieve parliamentary confidence. Arab parties, holding 19 seats, play a crucial role in these government-formation discussions.