Arab and Jewish Local Leaders Urge Eisenkot to Form Government with Arab Parties

Local authority heads from both Arab and Jewish communities met in the village of Mayser on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, to sign a document calling for the formation of a new government that includes Arab parties. The initiative was led by Ilan Sadie, head of the Menashe Regional Council.

The joint political meeting, also attended by Umm al-Fahm Mayor Dr. Samir Mehamid, Kafr Qara Mayor Firas Badhi, Menashe Regional Council member Naif Arda, and Mayser local committee head Ayman Abu Ruqiya, culminated in a signed declaration advocating for a government partnership with Arab parties and the establishment of equality in decision-making centers.

Ilan Sadie stressed the urgency of forming a new government with full Arab party participation, criticizing the political exclusion of Arab citizens. He noted the significant Arab turnout in recent elections as a factor in seeking political change and an end to Netanyahu's rule, asserting that the existing Arab-Jewish partnership in various life sectors should extend to politics.

Dr. Samir Mehamid praised the high Arab voter turnout as a rejection of the previous government's policies, racism, and incitement. He expressed readiness to be investigated by the Shin Bet to emphasize that the vote was a direct response to the former government's actions. Mehamid insisted that respecting the democratic will necessitates including Arab parties in the next government.

Firas Badhi highlighted the existing Arab-Jewish cooperation in hospitals, industry, and high-tech, questioning the refusal of political partnership. He criticized Netanyahu's recent rhetoric as inciting and fear-driven, and condemned what he called racist discourse in some Israeli media, particularly from commentators like Ella Hasson, warning that "words can kill." Badhi urged support for democratic principles and pressure on Gadi Eisenkot to include Arab parties in the new government.

Naif Arda emphasized the importance of Arab-Jewish partnership for political change benefiting all citizens, calling the current phase a historic opportunity for a shared future based on equality and mutual respect.

The signed document, titled "Local Authority Heads in Menashe and Wadi Ara Say Yes to Coexistence," affirmed the commitment to enhancing cooperation and joint projects. It stated that after years of Arab community exclusion, fair representation in national decision-making centers is now due, directly calling on Gadi Eisenkot to "Establish a government in partnership with the Arab parties." The meeting conveyed a clear message that Arab-Jewish partnership is a successful reality in many life areas and must translate into genuine political partnership at the national level, asserting that true political change requires ending the exclusion of the Arab community and ensuring their participation in government.