Yair Golan Vows to Oppose Arab Party Disqualification, Cites Red Lines

Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, stated that his party will oppose any attempt to broadly disqualify the United Arab List (Ra'am) and the Joint List. He emphasized that political participation must adhere to universal red lines, including the rejection of armed struggle, its legitimization, or targeting civilians. Golan asserted that the Democrats will resolutely defend the right of Arab citizens of Israel to vote, be elected, and participate in the country's leadership, vowing not to succumb to Prime Minister Netanyahu's dictates or legitimize the exclusion of an entire population segment.

Golan clarified that opposing wholesale disqualification does not negate the need for criteria governing political partnership. He specifically cited statements made by Sami Abu Shehadeh the day after the October 7th attacks as "dangerous." Golan argued that advocating for armed struggle, its legitimization, or harming civilians, whether Jewish or Arab, constitutes a "red line." He noted that the Attorney General and State Prosecutor have clarified this principle, while the Supreme Court is considering whether Abu Shehadeh's remarks warrant his disqualification.

Golan insisted on a unified standard, stating, "There are no exceptions for Abu Shehadeh or Ben Gvir; both should be disqualified." His party, he added, will oppose "Kahanism" and extreme Jewish nationalism as strongly as it opposes those who legitimize terrorism against Israelis.

Recounting his personal experience on October 7th, Golan described witnessing atrocities firsthand, including bodies along roadsides, burning vehicles, and fleeing civilians. He participated in rescuing festival-goers and observed both Jews and Arabs working together to save lives that morning. Since then, he has met with Jewish and Arab families whose lives were irrevocably altered by the tragedy, including the Zaydan family, some of whom were abducted to Gaza.

Golan believes the October 7th tragedy has created a shared experience for Jews and Arabs, and the path forward should involve collective recovery and reform. He concluded by stating his party seeks a "peace-loving, Jewish, and democratic" Israel where Jews and Arabs are equal partners under the law. His party rejects wholesale exclusion, terrorism, Kahanism, and nationalism, while affirming the possibility of Jewish-Arab partnership.