Since Arab voters are expected to constitute 16% of those voting in the upcoming Israeli elections, which are set to take place on April 9, 2019, they will have a substantial influence on the outcome. Their strength within the next Knesset has the potential to influence prospects for regional peace, as well as the trajectory of democracy in Israel. Anyway, due to recent developments, namely the withdrawal of Ta’al from the Joint List, the direction of Arab political participation in the elections and in Israeli politics remains unclear.

To shed light on this complex topic, last Thursday, the Mossawa Center, in cooperation with the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, addressed over fifteen embassies to discuss Palestinian Arab political participation in the 2019 elections. Speakers included MK Yousef Jabareen, Mohammed Barakeh (the Head of the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel), Sawsan Zaher (Adalah), and Ahmad Amara (Al-Mezan).

To read the Mossawa Center’s briefing paper on Arab political participation in the 2019 elections, click here.