MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi did not despair and believes the formation of a minatory government with the support of the Joint Arab List from opposition is still possible. Regarding recent incitement against the Israeli Arab community and MKs, he added that he expects one of the Arab MKs will be killed. He was referring to statements including those made on Wednesday by MK Avigdor Lieberman, who labeled the Arab party “a fifth column”.

In an interview in a Shabbos supplement of the Yisrael Hayom newspaper, Tibi says, “It is perfectly acceptable for me to act as a bloc in response to an agreement signed with Blue & White which addresses essential actions for the Arab community.

He adds “The recommendation to Gantz to the president and the willingness to work with him is not based on love for Mordechai but the hate for Haman. It is not that we view Netanyahu as Satan and Gantz an angel. A political chasm exists between us and Blue & White, but I will continue to support the possibility of becoming a political bloc.”

He added, “I expect one of the Arab Knesset Members to be killed by right-wingers because of the irresponsible and incomprehensible incitement against us. While right-wing MKs somehow continue referring to Yisrael Beitenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, I do not even say ‘good morning’ to him in Knesset”.

Regarding harsh statements made by Tibi and his colleagues during last week’s IDF bombardment of Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza, Tibi responded, “Despite the fact there is no symmetry between the occupier and the occupied, I object to harming all civilians on both sides. I do not wish to see any child harmed. Not a child in Sderot and not a child in Khan Yunis.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)