Israel Beiteinu Rejects Arab Parties in Government, Open to Likud
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel Beiteinu, represented by MK Oded Forer, informed President Yitzhak Herzog that the party will not join a government with Arab parties but is open to cooperating with the Likud. The party recommended Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government. Forer cited Arab parties' stances on Hamas as a reason for refusal, while also stating that further elections are not an option.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel Beiteinu will not sit in a government with Arab parties, MK Oded Forer told President Herzog.
- The party is open to cooperating with the Likud party in forming a government.
- Israel Beiteinu recommended Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government.
- Forer cited Arab parties' views on Hamas as a reason for exclusion.
- Further elections are not a desirable option for Israel Beiteinu.
- Arab parties could potentially support specific legislation in the Knesset.
Member of Knesset Oded Forer of the Israel Beiteinu party stated that his party is open to cooperating with the Likud party but refuses to sit in a government that includes Arab parties. Forer made these remarks during a meeting with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog on Wednesday, where Israel Beiteinu recommended Gadi Eisenkot as the individual to form the next government.
During their consultation at the Presidential Residence, Forer and Herzog discussed coalition possibilities, political boycotts, and the issue of drafting yeshiva students. Forer expressed a firm stance against including Arab parties in the government, linking their potential participation to their views on Hamas. "You cannot expect us to sit with parties that do not consider Hamas a terrorist organization," Forer told the President.
When asked if Israel Beiteinu is a right-wing party, Forer responded that the outgoing government was not right-wing and that his party would not "hand over the keys to those responsible for October 7th." He clarified that while Israel Beiteinu opposes Arab parties being part of the coalition, they could potentially support specific legislation in the Knesset on a case-by-case basis.
President Herzog inquired about creative solutions to form a government and prevent further elections. Forer indicated that his party, which originated from the Likud, does not rule out cooperation with the Likud, stating, "We grew out of the Likud and I was a member of the Likud and we do not rule out the Likud party. A government can be formed." Forer emphasized that another election is not a desirable option, but neither is compromising on core values.
