Makom LeKulanu Party Withdraws from Knesset Race Over Threshold Fears

In a dramatic political development, the Jewish-Arab party "Makom LeKulanu", which aims to promote partnership and civic equality, has officially announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Knesset elections and will not submit an electoral list.

In a statement published by the party leadership, it was clarified that the dramatic step was taken following lengthy and complex discussions, and out of a deep sense of responsibility regarding the mandate map. The party emphasized that the primary reason for the move is the desire to avoid the risk of wasting votes below the electoral threshold, a scenario that could decisively impact the balance of power on election day.

Despite dropping out of the Knesset race, "Makom LeKulanu" clarified that it has no intention of abandoning the public arena. The party intends to redirect all its resources and means toward a targeted grassroots operation, aiming to increase voter turnout and drive voters to the polls in both the Arab and Jewish sectors.

"The decision not to run was made after much deliberation," the party noted, while emphasizing that increasing civic participation in the elections is the most pressing imperative at this time.

As recalled, the party leadership's fear of failing to pass the electoral threshold is not unfounded. A mandate poll published by the Ice website on September 3 revealed a dramatic figure showing that approximately 10% of voters' ballots, equivalent to 12 mandates, are lost below the required threshold. The poll presented a grim picture for the "Makom LeKulanu" list, which stood at a mere 0.5% support. Alongside it, other parties that wasted votes were left outside, including "Am Yisrael" led by Ofer Winter which collapsed to 2.3%, "Bayit Tzioni - HaMiluimnikim" (3.0%), and "HaKalkalit HaHadasha" (2.0%).