In front of you, my readers, is a modest attempt to refresh a journalistic tradition: when the peace of 5771 came out, we were asked who is the man of the year? The answer is difficult. Political discourse even at the end of 12 years in office.
But if the man of the year is the one whose influence is decisive on the life of the act, in our opinion it will be MK Mansour Abbas, the leader of the RAAM party. After all, an unprecedented phenomenon occurred this year: an Arab-Muslim politician linked his political life with a Jewish-Zionist government. In 1948, as in subsequent years, who would have imagined such a political reality, in which a government with the support of a faction with 4 Arab MKs operates? Homeland: In The Marker's 100 most influential rankings, Abbas was placed in eighth place, a considerable distance above his former partners, MKs Ahmad Tibi and Ayman Odeh, and also above senior ministers.
Who predicted: For the first time, it is an Arab MK who determines the length of the government's life. Abbas is often in a dilemma: What position will he present in the face of the possibility of a military response to terrorist attacks? Will Bennett risk shortening his government days, if he orders a military operation knowing that the Prime Minister may cease its support for the government? Of course, it should not be concluded that MK Abbas is considering joining a Zionist party. It is doubtful whether he erased from his consciousness the extremist Palestinian statements. But the time will come when he will have to take a stand on the future of the government.
However, it is possible that some of the Arab public in Israel will see a blessing in increasing government budgets, which will hopefully stimulate an improvement in its socio-economic situation.
This is the powerful political card in Abbas' possession.
He will draw this card when he is forced to fend off his critics, who deny any partnership with the Israeli government.
After all, Abbas also maintained contacts with the right-wing leader.
Today, the Bennett government is guaranteed a small majority in the Knesset.
Equally important: a precedent has already been set for abstaining from Ram, a Muslim list, from a counter-vote in the government.
The MK believes that MK Abbas' partnership in the coalition is worthy.
You better win sympathy.
In this way, Abbas strengthens the faltering process on the way to the integration of the Arab public into the existence of Israel.
On the other hand, the muscle of the Palestinian majority's hostile attitude towards Abbas.
It is not known whether a Palestinian minority will be formed that will boldly say: There is some advantage in MK Abbas' moves.
