Islamic Party in the Knesset: First Arab Party to Join Israeli Government Coalition
Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
The Ra’am Party, an acronym for the Hebrew “HaReshima HaAravit HaMe’uhedet” or the “United Arab List,” has cemented its presence as a unique political force in Israel’s parliamentary democracy. Under the leadership of Mansour Abbas, Ra’am has made history as the first Arab party to participate in an Israeli governing coalition, a move that has reshaped the political landscape and stirred extensive debate both within Israel and abroad.
A Legacy of Representation
Founded by Abdullah Nimar Darwish, Ra’am initially emerged as a coalition between the Arab Democratic Party (Mada) and the southern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel. The party’s primary aim was to amplify the representation of Arab citizens within the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. In its first election in 1996, the Ra’am-Mada alliance secured four seats, marking the beginning of its political journey. Over the years, the party has consistently held a presence in the Knesset, adapting to the shifting dynamics of Israel’s volatile political scene.
The Historic Coalition of 2021
In 2021, Ra’am contested the elections independently, securing four seats in the 24th Knesset, making it the smallest faction in parliament. Nevertheless, the party achieved an unprecedented milestone by joining the ruling coalition led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. This government, Israel’s 36th, operated from June 2021 to December 2022 and relied on Ra’am’s support to maintain a slim parliamentary majority.
Mansour Abbas’s decision to collaborate with right-wing factions was driven by a pragmatic approach aimed at addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Israel’s Arab citizens. Under this coalition, significant achievements were made, including the allocation of 35 billion shekels (approximately $10.75 billion) for the development of Arab communities and the formal recognition of previously unregistered Bedouin villages in the Negev Desert.
Ideological Foundations and Controversies
Ra’am’s ideology is rooted in three pillars: Islamism, Islamic democracy, and social conservatism. The party advocates for the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and equal rights for Israel’s Arab citizens. However, these positions have been met with criticism, particularly regarding the party’s association with the Islamic Movement and its perceived ties to organizations like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Despite these controversies, Ra’am’s leadership, particularly Mansour Abbas, has demonstrated a moderate tone in parliamentary discourse, emphasizing constructive engagement over ideological confrontation. This pragmatic approach has sparked debates about the party’s ultimate goals—whether it aims to integrate Israel’s Arab population into the state’s framework or seeks to challenge Israel’s Jewish identity.
Challenges Ahead
The tenure of the 36th government offered Ra’am a unique opportunity to advocate for its constituents. However, the party now faces significant challenges in maintaining its influence, especially as the current government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, exhibits a more hardline stance. With the next parliamentary elections scheduled for 2026, Ra’am’s future impact on Israeli politics remains uncertain.
Mansour Abbas and Ra’am have undeniably altered the political narrative in Israel, introducing a new dynamic of Arab representation in the Knesset. Yet, the party’s ability to sustain its momentum and achieve long-term goals will depend on its capacity to navigate Israel’s complex political and societal landscape.
