‘Victory is within reach’ - Ahmad Tibi vows to bring down Netanyahu's government
Key Takeaways
- Ahmad Tibi calls for the removal of Netanyahu and Knesset Tibi welcomes increased participation in Arab communities, describing it as an opportunity for political change.
- The Joint Arab List targets nine or ten seats as Israel's major blocs compete for a parliamentary majority.
The Palestinian Knesset member calls for Netanyahu's removal as rising Arab voter turnout raises hopes of political change in Israel's parliamentary election.
Palestinian Knesset member Ahmad Tibi has called for the removal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, declaring that political change is possible as Israelis vote in Tuesday's parliamentary election.
Speaking in Nazareth, the Ta'al party leader said removing the current government remained his main objective, even if the next administration did not fully reflect his political preferences.
"We want to oust this government, to bring it down! To depose Netanyahu, then to depose Amir Ohana, and pave the way for an alternative government. It won't be my cup of tea," he said.
"It will be a different government. Reality must be changed, and this possibility must be given a chance based on voter turnout rates. We are heading in that direction. There are no deals."
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Tibi's remarks came as reports indicated increased participation among Arab voters, a development he welcomed as an encouraging sign for democracy.
He pointed to long queues outside polling stations in Arab communities, particularly in Tayibe, where he claimed voter participation had reached levels comparable to local elections.
"The racists retreat into their dens, and that is what will happen," he declared.
The lawmaker also accused unnamed parties of attempting to delay the voting process but maintained that the growing turnout could help bring about a change in government.
"At the end of the day, we will take on the racists, send them home, and pave the way for a new reality and perhaps a new hope. It will not be easy, but victory is within reach," he said.
The Joint Arab List, comprising Hadash, Ta'al and Balad, is seeking to win nine or ten seats in Israel's 120-member parliament.
Its campaign has focused on increasing Arab political representation and opposing Netanyahu's government.
Tuesday's election is Israel's first parliamentary vote since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wars.
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The election has brought questions about national security, political accountability and Israel's future into focus.
With neither of the major political blocs guaranteed the 61 seats required to form a parliamentary majority, the outcome could lead to difficult coalition negotiations.
Tibi's calls for change come as the Joint Arab List seeks to increase its representation in a closely contested election.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
