From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Abbas and Segalovitz say they’re still negotiating joint Knesset run
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas and former Yesh Atid MK Yoav Segalovitz release a joint statement saying that they are continuing discussions regarding a possible political alliance ahead of the October 27 election.
“Following recent discussions between Ra’am Chairman Mansour Abbas and former MK Yoav Segalovitz regarding Segalovitz joining the Ra’am list for the upcoming elections, the two leaders met again today,” the statement says.
“They discussed the details of the move and its importance for all citizens of the State of Israel and the fabric of Jewish-Arab relations, amidst numerous challenges and the need to present a worthy political alternative for the country’s citizens, both Jewish and Arab. Abbas and Segalovitz will continue in the coming days to advance this initiative for the sake of a necessary, values-driven civil connection,” the statement adds.
Speaking with Channel 12 on Saturday, Abbas said that Segalovitz is not set to formally join the party, but that negotiations with him are aimed at agreeing on terms for him to be given a slot on its Knesset slate.
Segalovitz reportedly does not intend to join any party unless it recognizes Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and supports national civilian service – an alternative to the military draft – for Arab citizens of Israel.
Abbas ignited controversy today when he said that his and other Arab parties have been “compelled” to accept Israel as a Jewish state, because they would otherwise be disqualified from running for the Knesset.
The Times of Israel Community.