Thread by @jdakwar

Polls in Israel are predicting that the Joint List will expand its representation in the Knesset in tomorrow’s national election, the third to occur in less than a year. 1/ timesofisrael.com/final-surveys-… #IsraElex2020

If Netanyahu is defeated, the next big challenge for the Joint List will be how to deal with Benny Gantz who is Netanyahu-lite only without indictment on corruption charges. 2/

The Joint-List is walking a very fine line between fulfilling a desire on behalf of Arab voters to end Netanyahu’s political career and his racist govt and risking to be co-opted by a political system that inherently rejects their legitimacy as a non-Zionist political party. 3/

The Joint List is gaining more support because Arab voters and their Jewish allies are sick and tired of Netanyahu’s racism and bigotry. However, they are not naive enough to believe that replacing Netanyahu will end institutional racism in a self-defined ”Jewish state.” 4/

Their success will depend on their ability to both maintain unity and draw public support for the Joint List’s unique status as a constructive opposition party with clear objectives and redlines as far as their engagement with Benny Gantz and his potential coalition. 5/

The Joint-List says it is trying to be more accountable and responsive to Arab voters who are demanding that their elected leaders be more influential in Israel's chaotic political system. The Joint List must tread very carefully. 6/

While the Joint List will advocate for critical issues like ending budget discrimination, fighting gun violence and ending home demolitions, they must keep their eye on the long-term prize of structural change & addressing the historic injustice against the Palestinian people. 7/

This requires political mobilization of Arab citizens (and Jewish allies) beyond election day. A diverse and internationally supported grassroots movement fighting for equal rights and ending Israel’s discriminatory systems against all Palestinians living under its control. END