Golan Urges Coalition Partners to Include Arab Parties and Form Government Quickly

Democrats chairman Yair Golan called on the parties seeking to form an alternative government to move quickly and include Arab parties in their coalition. Speaking at his faction's meeting on Tuesday, November 10, before the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, he urged his prospective partners to accept political cooperation with Arab citizens. “Do not rule out the Arab parties,” Golan said. He pointed to Arab medical professionals who treat wounded Israelis and save their lives, arguing that they could also serve alongside Jewish colleagues in government and the coalition. He proposed forming the government promptly and considering ways to broaden it later. Describing the election result in his own political terms, he put the balance in favor of what he called rescue at 67 seats against 53. Asked about including Haredi parties, Golan said their participation should not come at the expense of Arab parties. He praised the Arab public's responsibility, maturity and willingness to be partners, and argued for keeping that partnership open during government formation. Golan was also asked whether Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas would have to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization to participate. He said he did not expect that requirement to pose an obstacle for Abbas and anticipated that the necessary statements would emerge during negotiations.