
The chairman of the Ra'am party, MK Mansour Abbas, said this evening (Thursday) that he remained in the government to take care of Arab society.
In an interview with Radio Nas, he said: "RAAM opposes any law that perpetuates the occupation. At the same time, we are in discussions regarding the vote on renewing the regulations next week and will decide accordingly.".
He added: "I could have long ago dissolved the coalition and emerged as a Palestinian national hero, but I am a responsible leader who cares about the future of Arab society and Israeli society as a whole.".
Abbas criticized the Interior Minister: "Ayelet Shaked is slow in implementing plans and stingy.".
He referred to the relationship with the Palestinian Authority and said: "I have spoken with Abu Mazen more than once recently.".
It was reported on the B network that Abbas said in closed-door talks that the reason for this week's opposition to the law was the proximity to the Temple Mount events, Jerusalem Day events, and the Flag Parade. "It is impossible to support the Judea and Samaria law so close to the parade events. We must create a separation for our public between the two things and not create proximity between them. Next week is a new week and we will consider the vote on the law in a different atmosphere.".
Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman attacked the Joint List this evening and, on the other hand, complimented Abbas.
In an interview with Gili Cohen and Ronen Manelis on Channel 2, he said of the 'partners': "They are not Israelis, and they do not want to be citizens of Israel." He said of Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas: "He does not meet with Abu Mazen or with the enemies of Israel, and he says out loud, 'I am part of this place and I want to integrate into society.' That's excellent from my perspective.".