Yair Golan's Government Proposal Sparks Fierce Backlash
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yair Golan seeks to form a government including the Arab Ra'am party.
- Avigdor Lieberman and Bezalel Smotrich strongly oppose any coalition with Arab parties.
- Lieberman claims Golan is under pressure and making false statements.
- Smotrich warns of a "dangerous" government that would harm Israel's identity.
- The Likud party frames the election as a choice between right-wing rule and "Palestine."
- Golan's statement reportedly violates internal agreements within the change bloc.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, stated on the program "Meet the Press" that he would work with his political partners to form a government that includes the Ra'am party. Golan indicated that while some statements are made before elections, his choice is clear. This statement comes amid disagreements among leaders of the "change bloc" parties regarding potential cooperation with an Arab party. Golan had previously expressed support for Jewish-Arab partnership, including Ra'am as a potential coalition partner.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, strongly rejected the idea, reiterating that no coalition would be formed with Arab parties. Lieberman suggested Golan is under pressure following a vote to disqualify Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh, and is making "incorrect statements" in a desperate attempt to regain Arab public support. The Am Israel Party, led by Ofer Winter, responded by framing the choice as either a "Golan-Abbas-Izankot-Lieberman government" or Winter as defense minister for a decisive outcome.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Golan, stating that Golan and his partners, Izankot and Lieberman, are attempting to hide their intention to form a "dangerous government" with Arab parties. Smotrich warned that such a government would continue judicial overreach, evacuate established communities, and harm Israel's Jewish identity, asserting that only a strong Religious Zionism party can prevent it.
Sources within the change bloc noted that Lieberman's attack on Golan violates recent understandings among bloc leaders to coordinate their actions. The Likud party also commented, claiming Golan revealed the truth that he and his partner Izankot intend to form a left-wing government with Arab parties, framing the election as a choice between the right and "Palestine."
Read the original at Israel HayomMentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
