Israel Katz Opposes Ra'am Joining Future Government, Citing Muslim Brotherhood Ties

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz strongly criticized the possibility of including the Ra'am party in a future governing coalition on Sunday, citing alleged ideological ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. His remarks followed Egypt's reported decision concerning the Muslim Brotherhood, which Katz said had received backing from the United States and several Arab countries. He questioned why Israeli politicians would consider cooperating with parties he associates with the movement while other countries are taking steps against it.

"Only here in Israel are there those who, even after the events of October 7, are working to bring Hamas's sister movement into the coalition and government," Katz said.

Katz Alleges Links Between Islamist Groups and Iran

Referring to developments in Egypt, Katz alleged that the Muslim Brotherhood was cooperating with Hamas and affiliated groups in Turkey to destabilize the government of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He claimed that Khaled Anam, whom he identified as Hamas's head of foreign intelligence, was involved in financing these efforts alongside elements of the Iranian regime.

Katz also criticized Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas, accusing him of refusing to explicitly designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. He further alleged that Ra'am identifies with an Islamist ideology seeking to transform Israel into an Islamic caliphate.

"Those who are prepared to overthrow the president of the largest and most powerful Arab country in the name of radical Islamist ideology will not hesitate to carry out a massacre in the Jewish state if given the opportunity," Katz asserted.

Defense Minister Calls for Political Consensus

Concluding his remarks, Katz urged Israeli political parties to reach a broad agreement against forming coalitions with Arab parties he claims maintain ties to hostile organizations.

"There must be broad national agreement not to cooperate in any way with Islamist and nationalist Arab parties that maintain ties with Israel's enemies and work toward its destruction," he said, warning of potential consequences for national security.

Katz's statements come amid discussions over possible future governing coalitions and the role Arab parties might play in Israeli politics. His allegations regarding Ra'am's ideology and affiliations remain attributed claims rather than independently established findings.