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 deserve 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 represented his personal views and the party's intention to promote partnership, but that the issue was not discussed at the previous night's meeting of the "Change Bloc" leaders. This clarification came after a meeting at Yair Lapid's home, attended by Lapid, Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Golan himself. The leaders signed a document pledging not to attack each other until a government is formed and agreed to form working groups to shape policy for the next government and increase voter turnout.

Golan's statements contrasted with those of Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, who stated on Saturday that Ra'am would not be part of the next government, citing fundamental disagreements, including Ra'am's refusal to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, commented on the selection of a prime ministerial candidate for the bloc, stating that the decision would only be made after the elections. He recalled that the bloc lost when they ran united and won when they ran with five separate leaders.