Full Breakdown
Mansour Abbas Reveals Foreign Pressure in Coalition Talks with Netanyahu
2/15/2026, 4:24:38 AM
Coalition Negotiations and Foreign Influence
Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra’am party, disclosed in a recent interview that he faced pressure from foreign-linked actors, potentially connected to Qatar, to pursue coalition talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the 2021 elections. Abbas suggested that these influences stemmed from a belief that Netanyahu's approach towards Hamas was more favorable than that of opposition parties. He claimed that prior to the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, Netanyahu sought a "long-term arrangement" with the group to maintain a divided Palestinian leadership between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority based in the West Bank.
Abbas noted that he was encouraged by individuals with ties to foreign countries to continue negotiations with Netanyahu, asserting that "Netanyahu doesn’t do wars." He interpreted this as an indication that Netanyahu aimed to preserve the existing fragmentation within Palestinian politics. Abbas mentioned that during coalition discussions, there were references to Netanyahu's intentions regarding Hamas, which he believed would benefit both Netanyahu and the militant group.
Reactions from Opposition Lawmakers
Abbas's comments elicited strong reactions from opposition figures. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized Netanyahu's policies, asserting that they inadvertently strengthened Hamas. Bennett stated, “Mr. Netanyahu, who for years led this horrible policy of strengthening Sinwar and funding Hamas in dollars... must go home immediately.” Additionally, Yisrael Beytenu party chairman Avigdor Liberman called for investigations into Netanyahu's alleged ties to Qatar, suggesting that foreign interference in Israeli elections was a serious concern.
Abbas's Position on Future Coalitions
Despite his criticisms, Abbas did not entirely rule out future discussions with Netanyahu's Likud party. He expressed a preference for a government without Netanyahu, advocating for a "change government" similar to the previous coalition led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, which included Ra’am. Abbas emphasized that he would prefer to align with parties that genuinely support Arab interests, criticizing Likud for straying from the ideological path of Zeev Jabotinsky, a historical figure in right-wing Zionism.
Official Statements and Responses
Neither Netanyahu nor the Likud party issued a response to Abbas's interview. Abbas's remarks highlight the complexities of Israeli coalition politics, particularly regarding the influence of foreign actors and the internal dynamics of the Arab political landscape in Israel.
Conclusion
Mansour Abbas's revelations about foreign pressure during coalition negotiations with Netanyahu underscore the intricate interplay of domestic and international politics in Israel. As tensions continue to rise, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts with Hamas, the future of Israeli governance and its approach to Palestinian relations remains uncertain.
