Israel has 'historic' opportunity to change direction, says Yousef Jabareen of Joint List

Yousef Jabareen, leader of the Joint List—Israel's main Palestinian coalition—said the country faces a "historic" opportunity to change direction after Tuesday's elections. The Joint List won a record number of seats in the Knesset, giving it the balance of power. Jabareen declared he is ready to join forces with the opposition "Change" bloc to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition. This marks a potential turning point in Israeli politics, as Palestinian parties could, for the first time, play a decisive role in forming a government. Jabareen's statement signals a willingness to cooperate with centrist and left-wing parties, including Benny Gantz's Blue and White, to end Netanyahu's long tenure. The election results have left no clear majority for either Netanyahu's right-wing bloc or the opposition, making the Joint List's 15 seats crucial. If successful, such a coalition would be unprecedented, as Arab-led parties have never been part of an Israeli government. Jabareen emphasized that the priority is to replace Netanyahu and advance equality and peace. The coming days will reveal whether the "Change" bloc can overcome internal divisions and form a government with Joint List support, or if Israel will face another election.