Jewish-Arab coalition could oust Netanyahu

Aluf Benn, editor of Ha’aretz, expressed disappointment after Israel’s recent election. He noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc lacked a majority and no stable government could be formed without the Likud party. Benn highlighted the country’s recent turmoil, including a judicial coup, mass protests, and the Hamas invasion. He concluded that Israel had reached a dead end, with its own fears and fantasies preventing it from responding intelligently to real-world events.

Despite the challenges, Benn sees hope in the possibility of a Jewish-Arab coalition to oust Netanyahu. Israel’s Arab population, comprising 22% of the citizens, theoretically has the same rights and duties as other citizens, though they often face less support from the state. In the past, Arab political parties were excluded from coalitions, but this time, the two main Arab parties, Ra’am and the Joint List, significantly increased their representation with 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset.

The Arab parties and the Israeli opposition parties share a desire for democracy and co-operation. They represent Israeli-born Palestinian citizens and wish to see the country adapt to rapidly changing regional dynamics. If some of the Jewish opposition parties are willing to form a government without Netanyahu, a Jewish-Arab coalition could potentially succeed.