"A Slap in the Face to the Druze": Demand for Yair Golan to Move Ali Salalha

Internal unrest within the "Democrats" party has intensified following the primary results held about a week ago. Mulla Nimar, a veteran of the left-wing movement and chairman of the Central Galilee region in the Histadrut, sent a sharp letter to party chairman Major General (res.) Yair Golan, demanding real and appropriate representation for the Druze public and minority groups. The core of the appeal is the demand to place Mr. Ali Salalha in the 14th spot on the Knesset list, instead of the 18th spot where he is currently placed.

In his letter, Nimar notes that Salalha won the trust of registered party members through a democratic process, but his current position does not guarantee his election and is perceived on the ground as "nothing less than a slap in the face" to thousands of activists. Nimar emphasized the Druze community's contribution to the state's security, public service, and resilience, noting that this public is not asking for gifts, but for true partnership where decisions are made.

Furthermore, Nimar addressed the inclusion of an Arab female candidate on the list. He clarified that while this is a worthy step, it cannot serve as a substitute for the representation of the Druze community:

"The Arab society and the Druze society are not one and the same, and each of them has its own characteristics, needs, and priorities."

Nimar calls on Golan to exercise his authority as party chairman and move Salalha to the 14th spot—the position originally designated to ensure minority representation. According to him, leaving the situation as it is will deepen the sense of alienation and harm voter trust, while a move would serve as a test of leadership and a value-based statement regarding the status of minority members as full partners.