ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the political context in Israel has resulted in intensified polarization between the supporters of the Joint List and Ra’am, leading these supporters to distance themselves from the Joint List to align more closely with the coalition government. It then examines the initial polarization which contributed to the separation of the Islamic Movement into two separate branches: the Southern Branch (Ra’am) and the Northern Branch, each with different views on political engagement. The chapter analyzes the decision of Ra’am to become a member of the Joint List despite their ideological differences and looks at the sociopolitical context which led to Ra’am’s separation. The split between the Join List and Ra’am reflects a number of existing differences in public opinion within the Palestinian community in Israel. More specifically, it analyzes different viewpoints on social and religious issues and the role Arab parties should play in Israeli politics. The formation of the Joint List came out of perceived necessity when the election threshold was increased. This chapter shows how Ra’am proves that inclusion in the democratic process does moderate the movement’s stance on some national, social, and political issues. This, however, does not entirely contradict Shadi Hamid’s argument that repression plays a role in moderation. Even though Ra’am can engage in the democratic political process in Israel, it is still operating from the margins of Israeli society. Ra’am is a party representing an ethnic and religious minority in a predominantly Jewish country with institutions built to protect its Jewish identity and makeup.
