Sgalovitz on talks about joining Abbas: "This is the Zionist move that will strengthen the bloc"

Talks between Yoav Sgalovitz and Mansour Abbas are progressing, and the two are expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the details. A few days ago, Sgalovitz returned from abroad and spoke with several colleagues in the political system, outlining the doubts and advantages of the step he plans to take.

Sgalovitz stated that "the connection between Ra'am and me is the most Zionist move that can be made; it is a connection between the Arab public that wants to take part in the State of Israel and a Zionist factor from within the bloc."

In addition, in those same conversations, he claimed that joining forces with Mansour Abbas could provide the missing votes needed to replace the government and establish a new one.

In his conversations, Yoav Sgalovitz admitted that he understands the public reluctance regarding a political connection with Ra'am after October 7, but argued that the main and more important goal now is replacing the government. In his view, his presence within this connection may make it easier for voters in the bloc to accept a configuration in which Ra'am enables the establishment of a government, whether through support, abstention, or another political framework.

Ideological gaps between the two

Sgalovitz also described the connection to his partners as "a significant strengthening of the bloc," arguing that instead of leaving Ra'am out of the political game, there is an interest in connecting those who want to integrate into the state and the Israeli political system to a move that will enable the establishment of an alternative government.

Tomorrow, Sgalovitz and Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas are expected to meet to discuss the details of the framework and the conditions that will allow for this connection. The central idea is to carry out a technical connection between the two, without adding Sgalovitz as a member of the party.

Another issue to be raised during their meeting is the ideological gap between them, mainly regarding LGBT rights. Ra'am opposes any rights or discussions concerning LGBT issues, while Sgalovitz supports them and is interested in obtaining freedom of voting in cases where these issues are discussed.

As noted, a few days ago Yoav Sgalovitz informed the head of the Yesh Atid party of his resignation from the Knesset, ending his role as a Knesset member for the party.

"Over the years, I have had the privilege of influencing issues close to my heart, both as a Knesset member and as Deputy Minister of Internal Security. I would like to thank Yair Lapid, the members of the Knesset, and the party's activists for the partnership, trust, and joint work for the State of Israel," Sgalovitz said.

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Sgalovitz, who previously served at the rank of Nitsb in the police, has enjoyed a status of respect in recent years among large parts of the Arab public and its leadership, mainly thanks to his work in the fight against crime and violence during the Bennett-Lapid government, when he served as Deputy Minister of Internal Security.

Heads of Arab local authorities, Knesset members, and public figures have praised his direct involvement, the ongoing connection he maintains with the leadership of Arab society, and the promotion of the government program to deal with the wave of violence.