Current sectionOpinionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeAs Arab parties once again battle over candidates and Knesset slots, the race for political power overshadows the urgent need for unity. While Arab citizens face crime, discrimination and growing threats to democracy, every grain of soil cries out for political unityJuly 20, 2026The late poet Tawfiq Ziad, who served as both an MK and the mayor of Nazareth, dubbed the party activists' frantic race for the Knesset the "Knesset virus." As we know, a virus differs from a bacterium. While a bacterium can be subdued with antibiotics, a virus only goes away when it decides to. The same is true of the Knesset virus. Realistic advice to leave the race falls on deaf ears. The candidate is surrounded by a chorus of supporters, explaining to him just how much he deserves to lead.In the NewsU.S., Iran Exchange Fire for 12th Night in a Row; Houthis Target Saudi Tankers'Liars, Poison': Shin Bet Chief Shared His Anti-media Manifesto With Top AgentsTrump Wants a Lebanon Triumph. Israel Is Losing Its Seat at the TablePolice Let Over 1,000 Jews to Pray Across Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa on Tisha B'AvJudge Justifies Jewish Terror. Israel Must Act on West Bank Settler ViolenceRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIThe Most Optimistic Israeli in Jerusalem Is Leaving the CountryAs Ground Invasion Looms, U.S. and Iran Want Wild-card Israel Out of the FightThe Original Ozempic Society of Ancient RomeBetween Messi and Milei: How Argentina Became Israel's Team at the World CupDemocrats Rejected U.S. Aid to Israel, and AIPAC Couldn't Stop Them'Choose Hope': Natalie Portman Backs Arab-Jewish Party Ahead of Israeli Election