In brief
Ilan Segalovitz, a 20‑year veteran of the Israeli police and former head of the National Authority for Israeli‑Arab relations, has signed onto the Ra’am campaign slate, becoming the first Jewish person ever listed by an Islamist party. The move is framed as a push toward intercommunal dialogue, though critics warn it could inflame tensions.
Jerusalem, July 13, 2023 – Ilan Segalovitz, a former Israeli police officer who served for two decades and later headed the National Authority for Israeli‑Arab relations, has signed onto the United Arab List (Ra’am) campaign slate and will be on the party’s list for the new Knesset, making him the first Jewish candidate to stand for an Islamist party in Israel.
Segalovitz said his decision was motivated by a desire to bridge communities and bring a fresh voice to Ra’am’s platform, stating, "I want to show that cooperation and understanding can exist beyond traditional boundaries," he told reporters.
Ra’am’s leader, Mansour Abbas, said the addition would help the party reach a wider audience and strengthen its commitment to a two‑state solution. Critics warn that the nomination could inflame tensions, while supporters view it as a step toward greater inclusivity.
