Arab parties’ Joint List deal collapses as Tibi rejects proposed Knesset slate

The Joint List, an alliance of Arab parties in Israel, has collapsed after Ta'al leader MK Ahmad Tibi rejected a proposed Knesset slate for the upcoming elections. The Reconciliation Committee, which formed the Joint List in 2015, presented a proposal giving Ta'al the second and ninth slots, which Hadash and Balad leaders accepted. However, Tibi's rejection led to the breakdown of talks, with a Hadash spokesperson stating, "There has been a breakdown in the talks." The collapse could significantly alter the dynamics of Arab party participation in the October 27 elections, as polls suggest a united front would yield more seats than separate campaigns. The door remains open for Ra'am, the fourth major Arab party, to potentially join the alliance, despite stalled negotiations.