Israeli Politician Calls for Urgent Government Formation, Including Arab Parties

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats Party and a retired Major General, urged his partners in the "Renewed Hope" bloc to form a government as quickly as possible. Speaking at a faction meeting hours before the 26th Knesset's swearing-in ceremony, Golan called for the inclusion of Arab parties and the Arab public in a coalition, stating, "We have a country to save." He emphasized the urgency, warning that every additional day under the current government led by Netanyahu causes escalating damage to Israel's security, economy, and infrastructure, endangering its very existence.

Golan sharply criticized the outgoing coalition, labeling it a recipe for national disaster due to "deep public corruption, messianic and fanatical nationalism, and systematic and exploitative draft evasion." He specifically named the "Netanyahu-Ben Gvir-Der'i coalition" as having brought about successive disasters.

In a potentially controversial move, Golan directly appealed to his allies in the "change bloc" to set aside reservations about Arab parties. "I call on all my colleagues in the Renewed Hope bloc, let's form a government quickly. Do not disqualify the Arab parties, and do not disqualify the Arab public," he declared. He justified this by stating that anyone who can help treat wounded soldiers is worthy of participating in the Israeli government.

Golan's call contrasts with a reported agreement among leaders of the "change bloc" at a meeting in Herzliya, where they reportedly decided against forming a government reliant on Arab parties, though they agreed to engage in talks with Haredi factions. The Democrats Party had previously recommended Gadi Eisenkot to form the government during consultations with the President.

Looking ahead, Golan outlined his party's vision, promising to restore security through military strength and political wisdom, re-establish law and order, and fortify Israeli democracy. He also advocated for a balanced approach to religion and state, upholding freedom of religion and freedom from religion, and pledged unprecedented investment in education, science, and technology. Golan concluded by emphasizing the need for courage, truth, commitment to citizens, and absolute loyalty to Israel's security to foster unity for the good of the nation.