Ra’am chief derides far-right, doesn’t rule out backing Bennett as PM

The leader of the Islamist Ra’am party condemns efforts by the far right to brand his party “terror supporters.”

“We are attacked by people who are trying to tarnish us as supporters of terrorism while legitimizing inciteful and racist discourse. Ra’am stands firmly opposed to this discourse and won’t change its positions,” Mansour Abbas says at the Knesset, urging other parties to condemn the characterization.

Mansour Abbas, head of the Ra’am party, gives a press statement after meeting with Israeli president Reuven Rivlin at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on April 5, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

He’s referring to comments by the far-right Religious Zionism, which has ruled out forming a right-wing government with Ra’am’s support and called the party “terror supporters.” Ra’am’s charter calls Zionism racist and backs a right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants.

Abbas says his party will consider the proposal for a direct election for prime minister and decide whether to back it.

He also says he’s not ruling out backing a government led by the right-wing Naftali Bennett.