Religious Zionism Party Recommends Netanyahu, Rejects Arab Parties

The Religious Zionism party met with President Yitzhak Herzog on Wednesday as part of the consultations for forming the next government, recommending that the mandate be given to Benjamin Netanyahu. Party representatives, including Minister Orit Struk, Zvika Mor, and Itamar Eitam, called for the establishment of a broad national unity government but stated they reject any cooperation with existing Arab parties. During the meeting, a discussion arose between Herzog and Struk regarding Arab citizens of Israel and the possibility of a unity government.

Struk clarified that her stance on Arab parties was independent of any investigation into foreign influence on elections. She argued that Arab parties, whose anthem she characterized as "My homeland, my homeland," view the establishment of Israel as a national disaster and therefore cannot be partners in a coalition or in processes to oust the prime minister or Knesset speaker. Herzog questioned Struk's position, asking how it differed from racism and noting that some Arab politicians had served in the police and military. He expressed discomfort with generalizing about Arab parties.

Struk responded that Arab citizens of Israel had the option to vote for an Arab candidate who loves Israel and served in the IDF. When asked by Herzog if they would compromise their positions for a unity government, Struk replied that they called for approaching it with an open heart, acknowledging it would be a compromise for an ideological party.

Herzog emphasized the importance of coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Israel, referencing the biblical story of Isaac and Ishmael burying Abraham together. Following the meeting, the Religious Zionism representatives reiterated their call for a broad government led by Netanyahu and for the completion of the election influence investigation. Struk stated that Zionist parties should unite without boycotts and that the prime minister, leading the largest party and bloc, should not be deemed illegitimate. Itamar Eitam also stressed the need for national unity, drawing parallels to the cooperation among different segments of Israeli society during wartime.