Likud officials kept channel open to Ra'am after polls, journalist claims

Channel 12 journalist Mohammad Magadli said senior Likud officials have maintained contact with Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party since the polls closed. Magadli made the claim in an interview on 103FM on Monday. He stated that people close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Abbas more than once.

Magadli argued that the communication line was never truly closed. He said the most senior figures in Likud approach Ra'am to talk. Magadli noted that Ra'am understands it has a way to exert influence. He added that the parties are constantly coordinating behind the scenes.

The reporter suggested Netanyahu's camp would rely on Arab parties if necessary to secure power. Magadli said the bloc would do anything to come to power. He stated that if needed, they would rely on both the Joint List and Ra'am to form a government.

Magadli also addressed a post on X by Yair Netanyahu. The prime minister's son claimed the next October 7 would come from Israel's Arabs. Magadli condemned the statement. He pointed to the contributions of Arab citizens to the country since the attacks. He told Yair Netanyahu to return to Israel before lecturing citizens on morality.

The reporter also criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Magadli said Arab citizens were kidnapped and murdered. He noted they played a major role in rebuilding the country. He called Yair Netanyahu irrelevant and said people should not waste time on him.

Likud rejected Magadli's allegations in a statement. The party denied maintaining contact with Arab parties. Likud called the claim complete fake news. It said there has been and will be no contact with parties that support terrorism.

The party described the claim as a dishonest attempt by media to legitimize the left-wing bloc. It said the coverage aimed to justify reliance on parties that support terrorism.