Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of Israel’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community, expressed hopes that the next government will include Arab parties, though he said he is not optimistic given the current political atmosphere.
“Israel’s Declaration of Independence says that all citizens of the state are equal, so if that is truly the case, this is what is required,” said Odeh, whose community is based in Haifa.
He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of portraying Arabs as “enemies” and engaging in hate-mongering.
“It’s time we started thinking of what best serves the people of this state, and not what best serves narrow political interests,” Odeh said.
Citing recent surveys, Odeh noted that a majority of opposition voters support forming a coalition with Arab parties and urged Israeli leaders to follow public sentiment.