Yair Golan Advocates for Arab Party Inclusion in Israeli Government

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, stated on Sunday that he believes an Arab party should be part of the Israeli government, advocating for Jewish-Arab partnership and appropriate Arab representation. He argued that those who care for IDF soldiers in hospitals deserve a role in governance. Golan's remarks came a day after leaders of the "Change Bloc," an opposition coalition, met to sign a principles document aimed at preserving their unity.

During an interview on Kan Reshet Bet, Golan emphasized his support for Jewish-Arab partnership, stating, "It is natural, right, worthy, and democratic, and in my opinion, expresses a true correction after years of incitement." He further elaborated that the 21% of Israeli citizens who are Arab deserve proper representation and genuine partnership.

When questioned by interviewer Aryeh Golan about the stance of other opposition leaders like Avigdor Lieberman, Gadi Eisenkot, and Naftali Bennett, who have previously stated they would not form a government relying on an Arab party, Golan expressed confidence in their support, citing the precedent of a government that included the Islamist party Ra'am.

Regarding the selection of a bloc leader, Golan declined to name Eisenkot, indicating the decision would be made later. The meeting of the opposition leaders, held at Yair Lapid's home, also included Bennett and Lapid. They committed to a four-principle agreement to maintain bloc unity, including refraining from attacking member parties and their agreed-upon leader. Joint working teams are to be established within 48 hours.

A clarification from the Democratic Party stated that Golan's comments on Arab inclusion reflected the party's position and intentions, and that the issue was not discussed at the previous night's meeting.