Mansour Abbas
Mansour Abbas is an Israeli politician. He is currently the leader of the United Arab List and a Knesset Member on the party's behalf. He was appointed as the chair of Special Committee on Arab Society Affairs in the Knesset on 27 April 2021 and served as deputy Chairman of the Knesset. In 2021, Abbas made history by becoming the first Israeli political leader of Arab descent to join an Israeli governing coalition. He is a qualified dentist.
Standing...
Stories...
Sep 2, 2026
Far Left
The Ra'am leader is navigating his party's role in opposition after leaving the coalition, while mediating communal tensions in mixed cities.
Hadash criticizes Abbas's pragmatic deals with Likud that legitimize the government, but acknowledges his grassroots work for Arab citizens.
Aug 31, 2026
Lean Left
Abbas's Ra'am party remains in the coalition, voting for key bills despite the far-right's anti-Arab agenda, in exchange for budget concessions.
Labor/Meretz criticize Abbas for legitimizing the right-wing government and providing cover for its policies, arguing his pragmatism has failed to protect Arab citizens.
Aug 31, 2026
Far Left
Ra'am leader, he has been straddling coalition support and opposition, often absent from the anti-overhaul protests due to his coalition commitments.
Hadash criticizes Abbas for his pragmatic partnership with the far-right, which has not secured real benefits for Arab communities and has isolated him from progressive fronts.
Aug 30, 2026
Center
Abbas is promoting a new partnership model with Jewish parties, including Sigal Sade, as a path for Arab integration.
Yesh Atid supports Arab-Jewish cooperation as vital for democratic stability, but warns that right-wing rejectionism could kill this opening.
Aug 30, 2026
Far Left
Abbas, Ra'am head, is navigating his coalition partnership with the far-right to extract funds for Arab communities, but faces backlash for legitimizing the government.
Hadash sees Abbas's move as a dangerous sellout, trading away national Palestinian rights for short-term budget gains while the coalition escalates annexation.
Aug 29, 2026
Center
An opinion piece defends Abbas against claims he doesn't recognize Israel's Jewish character, arguing he is being unfairly attacked.
Yesh Atid supports Abbas as a coalition partner and sees attacks on him as part of a polarizing campaign that undermines potential for Jewish-Arab partnership.
Aug 27, 2026
Far Left
Ra'am leader Abbas is cooperating with coalition on some legislation, drawing criticism from Arab parties for normalizing right-wing rule.
Hadash criticizes Abbas for legitimizing a far-right government in exchange for minor concessions, weakening Arab political unity.
Aug 26, 2026
Lean Left
Ra'am chair faces pressure from within the coalition over Gaza policy and subsidy cutbacks to Arab communities.
Labor/Meretz criticize Ra'am's partnership with Netanyahu and its failure to block anti-Arab measures.
Aug 26, 2026
Far Left
The Ra'am leader is in the news for his coalition support and stance on the overhaul.
Hadash criticizes Abbas for enabling Netanyahu's right-wing agenda, though his party benefits from coalition funds.
Aug 25, 2026
Far Left
Ra'am leader balancing coalition support with demands for Arab sector funding.
Hadash criticizes his pragmatic alliance with Netanyahu, which legitimizes the right while delivering little structural change.