Mansour Abbas and Yoav Segalovitz discuss potential cooperation
The chairman of the Ra'am faction and a Knesset member from the Yahad faction are expected to hold talks regarding potential cooperation. Segalovitz's spokespeople deny rumors of a merger, suggesting the discussions may be limited to coalition coordination. This move follows their previous joint efforts in combating crime during the Bennett-Lapid government.
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am faction, and Knesset member Yoav Segalovitz of the Yahad faction are expected to hold talks in the coming days to examine the possibility of cooperation ahead of the elections. However, it is doubtful whether any practical decision will be reached at this stage. According to those in their circle, there is time, and no official declaration has been made.
«MK Yoav Segalovitz is a member of the Yahad party,» his spokespeople stated in response to rumors of an imminent merger that have intensified in recent days. It is possible that this is merely a move to prepare the ground for potential coalition cooperation, should their hopes for a change of government materialize.
Segalovitz, who previously served as a police major general (Nitzav), has enjoyed significant respect in recent years among large segments of the Arab public and its leadership, primarily due to his efforts in combating crime and violence during the Bennett-Lapid government, when he served as Deputy Minister of Public Security.
Heads of Arab local authorities, Knesset members, and public figures have frequently praised his direct involvement, the continuous contact he maintained with Arab society leadership, and the promotion of government programs to address the wave of violence. Even after leaving office, Segalovitz continues to participate in events within Arab society and often receives public appreciation, including from Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas, who has defined him as an «ideal candidate» for his party's list.
The idea is not new. As early as January 2026, on 103fm radio, Abbas declared that his party would be open to Jewish candidates, later mentioning Segalovitz by name. In an interview with Radio A-Nas, Abbas stated that «Yoav Segalovitz is an ideal candidate for the Ra'am list in the upcoming elections.» Segalovitz replied at the time that he viewed it as a «compliment» but remained «committed to his party» (then Yesh Atid).
Abbas emphasized yesterday that the United Arab List party is currently focused on holding its general conference on August 22, 2026, organizing primaries, and completing the establishment of its governing bodies.
Abbas stated:
«Any step regarding the creation of political alliances or the addition of independent individuals to the list will be taken later, after a thorough political and practical assessment of the feasibility of the elections within the governing bodies of the United Arab List.»
He further added:
«This is conditional on achieving the goals of the United Arab List to replace the right-wing government and support the establishment of an alternative government in which we are partners. Through this government, we will serve our Arab community and address issues of violence, crime, home demolitions, racism, fascism, and achieving equality and justice for all.»
