"It comes from a place that I live in this country and I look at the Arab minority that has unfortunately undergone institutionalized discrimination for many years. Their influence is very small and almost symbolic in politics, and they are always in the opposition no matter what," Pines told the radio station.
Pines explained that while Israel is a Jewish and democratic state with a Jewish majority, "there is an Arab minority here and I want to live with it in a civil alliance – in a political partnership as well. I don't want them to be just sectorial and place a pet Jew [in their party] or that we place a pet Arab [in ours]. It's time for a political partnership."
The former Labor official pointed to the recent willingness of some center parties to form a government with the Joint List, calling it "extremely important" and a "revolution."
"Is there an Arab partner? The Joint List is a success story, no question. But, there is still a large Arab public that wants to integrate, not necessarily under the label of a sectoral party," Pines explained.
The official explained that he did not know how many seats such a party could garner, but expressed optimism that Arab leaders would join the effort.
"I talk a lot with the heads of Arab authorities and they do not say it in public, but in my opinion they would prefer an option of an Arab-Jewish party over an Arab-only party," Pines said. "We hope and expect that there will be a counter-article to our article, which will be signed by Arab leaders who will say ‘come on let’s go and do it.'"
Pines told 103FM that he did not plan on running as part of such a party, saying that the plan was for the younger generation and current politicians, not the older generation. He mentioned that they had spoken with Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelah and Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz.
"We met hundreds of Jews and Arabs. You cannot believe how much this issue concerns people under the radar," said Pines. "There are at least five Jewish-Arab groups that are actually involved in founding this party. We want just one."
Pines added that he hopes such a party could be ready in time for the next elections, even if they take place as early as next year.