The Islamist politician defined himself as a Muslim and an Arab, but also an Israeli citizen.
“My name is Mansour Abbas, a proud Muslim and Arab, and a citizen of the state of Israel. I am the leader of the largest and most senior movement in Arab society,” said Abbas, referencing the Islamic Movement in Israel, with which Ra’am is associated.
Mansour Abbas, head of Israel’s conservative Islamic Ra’am party, speaks during a press conference in the northern city of Nazareth on April 1, 2021. (Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP)
His speech was brief, lasting only around seven minutes. But it was highly anticipated and closely watched by Jewish Israelis on live television a nearly unprecedented moment for an Israeli Arab politician.
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