Israel Polls: Golan Pushes for Unity with Arab Parties to Remove Netanyahu

Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s Democratic Party, has urged opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot and other opposition groups to form a government with the support of Arab-led parties. The proposal aims to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, but it has created disagreements within the opposition.

Golan argues that the opposition should work together to form a majority in Israel’s 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. A government needs at least 61 seats to secure a majority. He believes that cooperation with Arab-led parties could help the opposition reach this number and form a new government.

Golan has also called for equal treatment of all Israeli voters, including Arab citizens. He criticised what he described as racism and fear surrounding cooperation with Arab political parties. According to him, the political views of Arab citizens should be considered when decisions are made about forming the next government.

However, several opposition leaders have rejected Golan’s proposal. Some have said they do not want to depend on Arab-led parties to form a government. This disagreement has created uncertainty about whether the opposition can reach a common position and work together.

Golan also criticised Netanyahu’s political allies, particularly ultra-Orthodox parties, over their opposition to universal military conscription. He questioned why some groups should receive exemptions from military service while other Israelis are required to serve in the armed forces and face the risks associated with military duty.

He further argued that the opposition has enough support among Zionist parties to push for political change. According to the figures cited in the report, 49 seats support change, while 39 oppose it within the relevant political grouping.

Partial election results show Netanyahu’s bloc holding 54 seats, Eisenkot’s bloc holding 47 seats and Arab-led parties holding 19 seats. If Eisenkot’s bloc and the Arab-led parties were to cooperate, their combined total would reach 66 seats, exceeding the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. However, these numbers alone do not guarantee that the parties will agree to form a coalition.

The debate highlights the challenges facing Israel’s opposition as it considers ways to replace Netanyahu’s government. While Golan supports cooperation with Arab-led parties, other opposition figures remain unwilling to accept the proposal. Whether the groups can resolve their differences and agree on a common political plan remains uncertain.