Jewish-Arab Government Offers Historic Opportunity for Israel
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
An opinion piece by retired judge Iris Soroker argues for the formation of a Jewish-Arab government in Israel, calling it a historic opportunity. Arab citizens, who secured 19 Knesset seats in the 2026 elections, have shown their commitment to democracy and deserve ministerial roles. The author cites Arab integration into the economy and professions, along with research showing condemnation of terrorism, as reasons for inclusion. Soroker believes this move would strengthen democratic institutions and national cohesion, urging political leaders to act.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A Jewish-Arab government is proposed as a historic opportunity for Israel by retired judge Iris Soroker.
- Arab citizens, winning 19 seats in the 2026 elections, deserve inclusion in the new government.
- Arab integration into Israel's economy and professions is presented as a practical reason for their inclusion.
- Research indicates a strong majority of Arab citizens condemn terrorism and feel a sense of belonging.
- Forming a Jewish-Arab government is seen as a way to strengthen democratic institutions and national cohesion.
- Political leaders are urged to form this government, drawing parallels to past bold decisions.
The "change bloc" in Israeli politics should form a Jewish-Arab government, according to an opinion piece by Dr. Iris Soroker, a retired judge. Soroker argues that Arab citizens of Israel, who voted in the 2026 elections and gained 19 Knesset seats (11 for the Joint List and 8 for Ra'am), have demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process and deserve a role in leadership. The combined Arab party strength places them third nationally, behind the Likud and Yesh! parties. This presents a unique, potentially one-time chance to integrate Arab citizens, who constitute 20% of the population, into the new government by offering them coalition agreements and ministerial portfolios.
Soroker emphasizes that integrating Arab citizens is not only a matter of values, rooted in Israel's Declaration of Independence and Basic Laws, but also a practical necessity. She points to the significant integration of Arab citizens into the Israeli economy and professions, citing high percentages in pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and medicine, with a notable increase in Arab doctors since 2010. Despite a lower overall employment rate compared to Jewish citizens, largely due to gender disparities, the trend shows rising Arab employment and decreasing unemployment. Progress is also evident in higher education, particularly among Arab women.
Furthermore, the article highlights research indicating that the vast majority of Arab citizens condemn terrorism and violence. Studies from the Accord Institute and the Israel Democracy Institute show strong opposition to violence against Jews and a feeling of belonging to the state, especially when they feel included. Soroker posits that including Arab representatives in the government would foster greater identification with state institutions and reduce feelings of deprivation and discrimination, thereby weakening incentives for violent action.
As an alternative to a potential extremist government, Soroker advocates for a Jewish-Arab government as a reflection of the majority's desire for change and a rejection of attempts to undermine the judiciary or perpetuate conflict. She calls on leaders like Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Mansour Abbas to seize this opportunity for bold decision-making, drawing parallels to historic peace agreements made by past Israeli leaders.
Mentioned
