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Yousuf Jabareen, head of the Joint List alliance of Arab parties in Israel, said the bloc has the strength to bring down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in the upcoming elections. In a statement from his office, Jabareen assessed the challenges facing Palestinian citizens of Israel and the alliance's possible role in forming the next government.

Jabareen argued that current figures show no alternative government to Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich can be formed without negotiating with the Joint List. He described the vote as an "existential election" for Palestinians who have no other homeland, and accused the government of targeting Arab citizens and pushing the country and the region toward the abyss.

The alliance leader said support for any future government would be conditional, adding: "We will be a safety net, but above all a safety net for our own people." He said the bloc would demand a plan to fight crime with a clear timetable, budget and oversight, a halt to home demolitions, approval of building plans, land allocation for young couples and recognition of unrecognized Arab villages in the Negev. Jabareen also said the bloc would not stay silent over events in Gaza, the West Bank and attacks on holy sites. A Maariv poll showed neither the Netanyahu bloc nor the Jewish opposition can win a majority alone.

Key Takeaways

• Joint List leader Yousuf Jabareen says the Arab bloc could topple Netanyahu's government in coming elections
• Any government support will be conditional, with demands including halting home demolitions and recognizing Negev villages
• Polling shows neither the Netanyahu camp nor the Jewish opposition can reach a governing majority on its own