Balad Leader Condemns ‘Racist’ Exclusion of Arab Parties from Israeli Politics

Political deadlock has emerged in Israel after no side secured a clear victory in the country’s recent general election. Amid the impasse, Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of the Arab political party Balad, has strongly criticised efforts to marginalise Arab parties in Israeli politics and exclude them from governing coalitions. He described the stance of Israeli political parties as outright “racist”.

According to Al Jazeera, the failure of any bloc to secure an outright majority in the election has complicated efforts to form a government. Some members of the opposition alliance have continued to oppose forming any political coalition with Arab parties or seeking their support.

Expressing his anger over the issue, Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh said the mindset of mainstream Israeli political parties was entirely racist. He said the way parties representing Arab citizens were kept out of power or denied political legitimacy exposed the double standards of Israeli democracy. He added that the post-election deadlock and the reluctance of far-right and Jewish parties to work with Arab parties reflected the ongoing racist structure of Israeli politics.

According to analysts, Arab parties could play a decisive role as “kingmakers” in Israel’s political crisis. However, their political rights and participation continue to be overlooked amid the constraints of racist politics.

Source: Al Jazeera