Ex-security officials contact Abbas amid Segalovitz's potential move to Ra'am

A surprising political development is unfolding in Israel as former senior officials from the security establishment have reportedly approached Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas. This outreach comes amid ongoing discussions about former Yesh Atid MK Yoav Segalovitz potentially joining the Arab party.

“

Recently, several people approached Ra'am following the negotiations with Yoav Segalovitz. A group was formed specifically of former senior officials and others, people who held positions in the past, people who fought in the latest war and saw this move as important. They approached Mansour, Ra'am heard their approaches, and they sat down and spoke with them.

According to Channel 12's Muhammad Majadle, a group of former officials, some of whom fought in the recent war, see Segalovitz's potential move to Ra'am as important. They have met with Abbas, expressed their support for the partnership, and indicated a willingness to join Ra'am themselves. Abbas has reportedly listened to their approaches and has not ruled out the possibility of new members joining the party.

Majadle noted that the sentiment within Arab society regarding Segalovitz's potential move is "very positive." Segalovitz is reportedly well-regarded for his past efforts to combat crime and for maintaining good relations with local authority heads. Even rival parties like Hadash-Ta'al and Balad have not publicly attacked the potential move, acknowledging Segalovitz's popularity in Arab society.

“

Mansour did not rule anything out. He sat with them and listened. It was very important to them to reach out and say that they support this move and that they could even join. From Mansour and Ra'am's perspective, they said they welcome the move, but they do not want to create a situation in which it undermines the move instead of making it more acceptable.

However, the potential partnership faces significant technical and ideological hurdles. Both Segalovitz and Abbas are keen on the move, but it is not solely dependent on their mutual desire. Segalovitz reportedly seeks a commitment from Ra'am regarding a national service framework for all Arab citizens, which the party would need to present. The success of this alliance could hinge on navigating these complexities and ensuring it expands Ra'am's appeal rather than alienating its base.

“

The direction in Arab society is very positive. Yoav Segalovitz is a very well-regarded figure in Arab society because of what he did to combat crime in the previous government and because of the good relations he has with local authority heads. Even Hadash-Ta'al and Balad are not attacking the move because everyone knows that he is someone who is difficult to attack in Arab society because of the support he enjoys.