With Election Day nearing, the polls show the two major parties, the ruling Likud party and its chief adversary, the Blue & White party, remain neck and neck. Election Day for the 22nd Knesset is on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, and the parties are working tenaciously to bring additional voters, each hoping to emerge the largest party; vying to receive the presidential mandate to form the next coalition government. Polls also show that while weakening somewhat, Avigdor Lieberman and his Yisrael Beitenu party seem to still be holding the key to forming the next coalition, as neither large party can form a coalition with a minimum majority of 61 without Yisrael Beitenu.

The head of the Joint Arab List, veteran MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi, had what to say to the chareidi community, as he agreed to speak with Kikar Shabbos News. Tibi spoke with Yishai Ravina about a number of issues, including the ongoing incitement against the chareidim by Lieberman. Tibi explains, “There has been a change in jobs. Once upon a time, Lieberman ‘understood Arabic’ and attacked us, but today, you have replaced us, and he attacks you. The incitement seems to be a vehicle to draw additional votes and the more he attacks the chareidim, the more he moves up in the polls”.

“When one incites against a particular minority there is a collective right-wing that thinks that if you attack the minority, you are doing the right thing”.

Regarding the attacks against the chareidim, Tibi points out that at first, as per statements made by Gafne, the chareidim chose to ignore Lieberman’s harsh attacks, believing by doing so he would not be encouraged to continue, but they erred, realizing the silent treatment did not result in a cessation of the unprovoked attacks. In fact, “He has doubled his standing according to the polls. There is an audience of secularists who are anti-chareidi, and this speaks to this audience” Tibi adds.

Kikar
I believe that Lieberman hates chareidim. Do you believe this to be the case?

Tibi
There is no doubt that his position against chareidim and Arabs is negative and on a racial bases…He does not deny it. He is driven by this hatred of the other Arab or the other chareidi. What he is doing is bringing him more votes”.

It is pointed out that Tibi and Moshe Gafne throughout the years have maintained a cordial working relationship, supporting one-another to advance their relative agendas, often agreeing with one another, even if doing so is motivated by different factors.

Based on this relationship, Tibi is upset over the agreement between Gafne and the chareidi dati leumi (chardal) tzibur, as in Tibi’s eyes, an agreement with “the Zionists”, promising to oppose the removal of yishuvim was a major disappointment for him and represents straying away from their joint concerns; primarily to worry about assisting minorities, but here, they do not share a joint view.

When asked who the Joint Arab List will recommend receiving the presidential mandate, Tibi admits at present, they have not decided but currently, most of his party opposes going with Gantz. However, there have been statements from Arab MKs that if demands are met, the party would consider entering a coalition government for a first time ever, as the Arab legislators have over the years opted to remain in the opposition.

Tibi concluded saying his party will not join a Gantz-led coalition, and certainly, joining a Likud-led government is a non-starter.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)