Democrats Chair Golan Calls for Arab Party in Government; Party Denies Discussion

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic party, advocated on Sunday for the inclusion of an Arab party in the next Israeli government, calling it a natural and democratic step. In a radio interview, Golan expressed support for Jewish-Arab partnership, stating that 21% of the country's citizens deserve adequate representation. He specifically mentioned Mansour Abbas, suggesting that those who care for wounded soldiers in hospitals are also deserving of a role in governance and that Abbas could "naturally, correctly, and democratically" be part of the next government.

Shortly after Golan's remarks, the Democratic party issued a clarification stating that his comments reflected his personal views and the party's general intention to promote partnership, but that the issue was not discussed at the "Change Bloc" leaders' meeting held the previous evening. This statement aimed to distance the party from Golan's specific proposal, which reportedly contrasted with the positions of other bloc members.

Golan's statements came after a meeting of the "Change Bloc" leaders, Yair Lapid, Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan, at Lapid's home in Tel Aviv. The leaders signed a document pledging not to attack each other until a government is formed. They also agreed to establish joint working groups to formulate foundational principles for the next government and to increase voter turnout.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman stated that the decision on who would lead the bloc for prime minister would be made only after the elections. He recalled that the bloc lost when they ran united in the last elections but won when they ran with five separate leaders.