Democrats Unveil Platform to Combat Settler Violence and Strengthen Palestinian Authority
The Democratic Party has released its political-security platform ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, emphasizing a commitment to advance a political process with the Palestinians, halt annexation efforts, evacuate unauthorized outposts, combat what it terms "settler terrorism," and deepen security coordination with the Palestinian Authority. The party criticizes the Netanyahu governments for adopting a reactive approach rather than proactive initiatives, which it claims empowered Hamas, enabled Iran's nuclear progress, and weakened moderate regional actors.
The platform states that the October 7 attack demonstrated the failure of the "conflict management" approach. It advocates maintaining full security freedom of action while promoting a responsible political process to translate military achievements into long-term political arrangements, securing Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state.
Regarding Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), the Democrats pledge to block annexation moves, stop funding and establishing outposts and farms deemed illegal and security risks, and return authority to the IDF and Ministry of Defense. The party plans to fight "settler terrorism" by evacuating violent outposts, designating violent groups as terrorist organizations, enforcing zero tolerance for violence, and allocating more resources for law enforcement.
Simultaneously, the platform calls for enhanced security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority to stabilize it as an effective governing body against terror groups. While committing to a tough stance against terror organizations and preserving the IDF's operational freedom, the party argues that without a moderate political alternative, terror groups will regain strength. The platform concludes, "We will fight radicals with a firm hand and strengthen moderate forces."
