At a Crossroads?

Israel is heading towards early elections this March. Much of the public discourse is focused on the chances of the "Zionist Camp" to form the next coalition or on the prospect of a third term for a Netanyahu led government.

Recently, major political changes have occurred in the back rows of the opposition: As a result of a law that raised the election threshold to 3.25%, for the first time the four major Palestinian political parties, representing diverse views of the Arab population, have agreed to create one joint list.

This move may yet turn out to be a major game changer if, as expected, voter participation among Palestinian citizens increases. Recent polls suggest that as a result of the formation of a joint list, the turnout on March 17 could reach 70%, up from 50% Palestinian participation in the past elections. High Palestinian turnout could have untold effects on the next Israeli government, especially if the Center-Left manages to form the next coalition.

Efforts to form a joint list stirred up serious debates within the Palestinian community in Israel. Many have questioned the idea itself, in which Palestinian nationalists, Islamists, and Communists join together on one election slate, notwithstanding their differing political positions and agendas. Is being a Palestinian enough of a common denominator to build the foundations for fruitful political cooperation over a period of four years when the parties hold such differing views and political agendas?

The public event, "At a Crossroads," will discuss a wide range of questions on the impact of the newly formed joint list. Of particular focus are the internal debates between Arab representatives, the challenges and obstacles of the decision to run on a joint slate, and the potential opportunities and changes after the votes are counted.


Monday, February 23rd, Heinrich Boell Foundation offices, 1 Har Sinai, Tel Aviv Yafo

17:30 - Reception and light refreshments

18:00 - 20:00 Panel discussion


Panelists:

Aida Touma-Suliman - Palestinian social activist and feminist, member of Hadash, number 5 on "The Joint List"

Dahlia Scheindlin (Analyst for +972 Magazine, professional pollster) - Presentation of the latest polls and discussion of their implications and possible impact for the elections

Samah Salaime Egbariya - Social worker, director of AWC (Arab Women in the Center) in Lod, blogger for +972's Hebrew-language sister site, Local Call (Sikha Mekomit)

Welcome note by Kerstin Mueller, Head of the Heinrich Boell Foundation Israel


Please RSVP by February 18th to info@il.boell.org