Yair Golan Supports Arab Party in Next Israeli Government

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Movement party, stated on Sunday that he supports the inclusion of an Arab party in the next Israeli government, calling it "natural, right, worthy, and democratic." He believes this would represent a "real correction" after years of incitement. Golan expressed satisfaction with a meeting held the previous evening, describing an "atmosphere of real emergency" and a "very good atmosphere" among participants determined to form a "correction government" to rebuild Israel after perceived damage by the current government.

When questioned about his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Golan emphasized the importance of the peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, stating that "real security is political arrangements." He argued that achieving these arrangements requires addressing the Palestinian issue "wisely, responsibly, without any security compromise."

Leaders of the "Change Bloc" parties announced Saturday they had signed a "joint principles document to replace the government," acknowledging ideological differences but prioritizing the shared goal of ousting the current government. Following Golan's interview, his party clarified that his remarks about integrating Arabs referred to the Democrats' position and their intention to promote partnership and integration, and that the issue was not discussed at the previous night's meeting.

Separately, MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu stated that the United Arab List (Ra'am) could not be part of the next government. He argued that Ra'am, as a religious Muslim party, has more in common with ultra-Orthodox parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism, citing their joint support for a law expanding the authority of rabbinical courts, which Forer's party wishes to repeal. Forer expressed concern about a policy that rejects sectarian parties like Shas but would accept an Arab equivalent.