Tibi: We could have toppled Netanyahu

United Arab List-Ta'al MK laments low voter turnout in Arab sector; says it was 'missed opportunity.' Balad's MK Zoabi says 'Arab politics must change'

Hassan Shaalan|Published: 01.23.13 , 04:35

United Arab List-Ta'al has been able to retain its power in the 19th Knesset, and secure four Knesset seats, but according to party MK Ahmad Tibi, the Arab sector is Israel missed an opportunity to effect true change.

The low voter turnout the in Arab sector jeopardized the Arab parties, party chairman Ibrahim Sarsur, explained.

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"I have no doubt that we will continue to lead the Arab sector," MK Tibi said. "But if the voter turnout in the Arab sector had gone up by 10% we could have toppled the Right's rule and push Netanyahu and Lieberman from leadership. This was a missed opportunity."

Tibi added that he was "Very disappointed by the fact that Netanyahu will stay in power because some chose to boycott the elections."

United Arab List-Ta'al, he said, "Will continue to serve as the opposition and continue our good work."

Balad also struggled to pass the electoral threshold. Early exit polls suggested that the party may be excluded from the 19th Knesset, but with 96% of the results in, it seems the party was able to secure three House seats.

"Arab politics has to change course," said MK Hanin Zoabi. "The Arab parties have to stop pursuing traditional political measures that no longer speak to the people. We have to raise political awareness and appeal to the new generation."

She lamented the fact that "Once more the Right will form the government," adding that "Racism will find new home in the next Knesset."