Abbas Brings Palestinian Statehood Into Election Pitch, Drawing Eisenkot, Netanyahu Rebukes

Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas on Saturday put Palestinian statehood at the center of an election-season speech, declaring that “the State of Palestine exists” and calling for an “end to the occupation,” drawing immediate rebukes from opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jewish MK Segalovitz lining up position on Arab party's list | Israeli Election breakdown Speaking at Ra’am’s general conference, Abbas said Arab citizens of Israel could serve as “a bridge to peace,” adding: “The State of Palestine exists and is recognized by most of the world, except for the United States and Israel. We want them to recognize it too, and we are working to achieve peace and reconciliation, an end to the occupation, and an end to the conflict.”