Israeli Democrat Leader Calls for Coalition With Arab Parties
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Yair Golan, chairman of Israel's Democratic party, urged the formation of a coalition government including Arab parties after the election, stating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost. Golan criticized alleged racism and the exclusion of Arab votes, calling for a "government of change" with Arab citizens. He contrasted this with right-wing parties' suspicion of Arab parties and criticized ultra-Orthodox bloc members for draft refusal.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yair Golan called for a coalition government including Arab parties after the Israeli election.
- Golan stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost and the opposition bloc received more votes.
- He criticized alleged racism and a "racist distinction between Jewish and Arab votes."
- Golan contrasted the call for inclusion with right-wing suspicion of Arab parties.
- He urged opposition leaders like Gadi Eisenkot to show courage and form a "government of change."
Yair Golan, chairman of the left-liberal Democratic party in Israel, has called for the formation of a coalition government that includes Arab parties following the recent election. Golan stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost, asserting that the opposition bloc garnered more votes than Netanyahu's right-religious camp. He emphasized the need to overcome fear and racism, rejecting Netanyahu's alleged "racist distinction between Jewish and Arab votes." Golan argued that attempting to nullify the votes of Arab citizens amounts to surrendering to Netanyahu and abandoning Israel.
Golan criticized the "firewall" mentality among right-wing Jewish parties that often view Arab parties with suspicion, sometimes labeling them as a Palestinian fifth column. He contrasted this with the presence of 16 Knesset members from non-Zionist ultra-Orthodox parties within Netanyahu's bloc, who he claimed advocate for mass draft refusal while Israeli soldiers are fighting and dying. Golan asserted that these individuals should not lecture others on Zionism.
He urged the opposition, including figures like former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, to demonstrate courage and leadership. Golan called for action to form a "government of change" in partnership with Arab citizens of Israel, a government that would serve all Israeli citizens. He believes that such a coalition is necessary for Israel's future and to combat racism.
