After three days and at the end of a long negotiation, the Bennett-Lapid government managed to pass the two-year budget for 2021-2022 in full Nov. 5. By approving the budget, the coalition succeeded in removing the threat of a new election, ensuring a period of political stability. The joy at the coalition over this achievement was clear as its members celebrated in the Knesset, clapping and patting each other on the back.

One of those celebrating was chair of the Islamic Ra’am Party Mansour Abbas, and for good reason. Abbas made history when he made Ra’am the first Arab party to join a coalition and take an active part in forming the Israeli government.

“This is the first time an Arab party has taken a central role in passing the budget and forming a coalition,” Abbas tweeted shortly after the budget was passed. “It’s an important step in the process of political integration, realizing our right to civic partnership and taking collective responsibility to benefit all citizens, Arabs and Jews.” 

The list of accomplishments Abbas and Ra’am managed to include in the budget to benefit the Arab community includes a five-year plan for the socioeconomic development of the Arab community to the tune of 30 billion shekels ($9.6 billion), a national plan on crime and violence in the Arab community with 2.5 billion shekels ($800 million) and the creation of a new Bedouin city in the Negev and the recognition of three Bedouin villages.