Islamists in a Zionist coalition: the political and religious origins

On June 13, 2021, the United Arab List, representing Southern Branch of Islamic Movement in Israel (SIM), became first independent party to join a Zionist governmental coalition. The article analyzes why move hardly stirred opposition within leadership and popular base movement rooted Muslim Brothers. It demonstrates that SIM’s coalition-oriented agenda responded firm consistent demand for greater political impact voiced by majority public Israel, was commensurate with religio-legal arguments introduced over two half decades defending its decision run Knesset. These include stressing importance pragmatism Islam drawing analogies religious narratives about cooperation service infidel governments, such as conduct Muslims Abyssinia Prophet Joseph Egypt. Ironically, rather than limit options, premise upon which List has operated turned out allow it flexibility other parties could not afford.