Analyst Proposes Unprecedented Jewish-Arab Coalition Government

A political analyst and public figure, Gershon Baskin, has presented a novel model for an Israeli government that includes full participation of Arab politicians in ministerial roles, a scenario previously considered impossible. This proposed coalition, detailed in an opinion piece for Maariv, envisions Gadi Eisenkot as Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett as Defense Minister, Yair Lapid as Foreign Affairs Minister, Avigdor Lieberman as Finance Minister, and Yair Golan as National Security Minister. The most striking aspect is the inclusion of Arab leaders: Mansour Abbas as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Ahmed Tibi as Health Minister, and Yosef Jabareen as Education Minister. Other proposed ministerial posts include Efrat Reitan for Justice, Hili Tropper for Social Welfare, Matan Kahane for Religious Affairs, and Naama Lazimi for Transportation.

Baskin's core idea is to form a Jewish-Arab government that shares responsibility for national security and development, granting Arab ministers equal influence in decision-making. Beyond simply replacing Benjamin Netanyahu, this coalition would need to agree on a unified program covering security, economy, governance, and Palestinian relations. Key initial actions would include establishing a state commission to investigate failures preceding October 7, strengthening intelligence and border security, and enhancing the IDF's capabilities against Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other threats, with military operations guided by a clear political strategy and defined objectives.

The proposal also addresses the future of Gaza, advocating for preventing Hamas's return and avoiding permanent Israeli military rule. Instead, it suggests a Palestinian civilian administration, professional security forces, and infrastructure reconstruction under international supervision, with verifiable disarmament mechanisms. In the West Bank, the plan calls for continued counter-terrorism efforts, stronger measures against settler violence, evacuation of illegal outposts, settlement construction limits, and enhanced security coordination with Palestinian structures.

Diplomatically, the model promotes cooperation with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with a long-term goal of resuming negotiations with a legitimate Palestinian leadership. Domestically, the coalition would focus on the justice system, crime, and the cost of living, including reversing controversial judicial reforms, strengthening judicial independence, and drafting a constitution. Special attention would be given to organized crime in Arab society through unified law enforcement efforts. Economically, billions of shekels would be reallocated from coalition funds to healthcare, education, housing, and transportation, with additional investments in Arab communities and development towns.

Social initiatives include civil marriage, expanded local authority over public transport on Shabbat, and a new model for military and civilian service. Educational reforms propose equitable resource distribution between Jewish and Arab schools, increased Arabic language instruction, and civic education programs. However, Baskin acknowledges significant political obstacles, including fundamental disagreements on Palestinian statehood, settlements, religion, and national identity, making such a coalition highly improbable in the current political climate. He views this model as a potential pathway to systemic change and long-term Israeli development.