For Heaven's Sake Arabs in the Coalition?
Nov 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Yossi Klein Halevi, an Israeli-American author and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, explores the nuanced role of Arab parties in Israeli politics. He highlights the political journey of Mansour Abbas, the complexities of Palestinian-Israeli identity, and the implications of including Islamist parties in a Zionist coalition. Halevi advocates for practical steps to rebuild trust with Arab citizens, emphasizing the need for police reform and addressing public safety issues.
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New Political Gridlock Creates Kingmakers
- Israel's post-ceasefire politics created a 58-52 split where neither bloc can form a government alone.
- This stalemate pushes leaders to seek small kingmaker parties, including Israeli Arab parties, to reach 60 seats.
Abbas: An Islamist Willing To Join A Coalition
- Mansour Abbas surprised Israeli politics by leading an Islamist party willing to join a Zionist coalition.
- Yossi Klein Halevi recalls Abbas laughing when asked about a caliphate and emphasizing practical engagement with the Jewish state.
Interfaith Politics As A Strategy
- Mansour Abbas framed his politics as interfaith engagement rooted in religious conviction.
- He publicly declared acceptance of Israel as the Jewish homeland and sought personal relationships with Jewish leaders.