The new government which is likely to be finalized later on Wednesday will be endorsed, in one way or another, by both Arab parties.
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Ra'am, which is negotiating its place in the coalition is expected to actively support it, while the Joint Arab List will lend its support by abstaining in the vote on the new government's establishment, thus allowing the motion to install it to go through.
The next government is likely to reflect political polarity like never before – beyond the obvious differences between the Zionist, left-wing, and Arab factions, who in this case could find themselves manning the benches of both the coalition and opposition.
The violence of recent weeks has bolstered those in the Arab Israeli sector who oppose joining any government.
The criticism leveled at Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas over his desire to join the government – be it led by the Likud or by Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid and Yamina leader Naftali Bennett intensified to the point of rumors that Abbas's political career was over and that by the next elections, Ra'am would again partner with the Joint Arab List, from which it splintered ahead of the March election.
Still, the majority in the Arab sector support his desire to join the coalition as a way for them to finally have a seat at the table as citizens with equal rights whose elected officials can truly effect change.
However, this is not easy or simple – not for the Zionist parties and certainly not for the Arab parties.
Many of the younger generation think this is not the right time to join the government. This is part of the impact of recent events, and it is no coincidence that Balad, the most hawkish among the factions making up the Joint Arab List, has been gaining popularity.
The moderate Islamic Movement's southern branch, from which Ra'am hails, has tried to join the coalition in the past but was unble to do so, mostly over the staunch opposition of Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich.
This move could undermine its position in the next elections, especially if Abbas fails to present his voters with actual achievements. If Ra'am loses even 10% of its electorate it could fall off the political map. This is why Abbas is trying so hard to become part of the next government – regardless of its nature – so he can use it to present some from of progress, even if minor, to his voters.
Violent events aside, the coalition talks represent an opportunity to create a new form of coexistence. This is why it is so important that Arab MKs be included in the next coalition.
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