Golan meets with Joint List leaders as opposition seeks to unseat Netanyahu

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, met with Joint List leaders Yousef Jabareen and Ahmad Tibi on Tuesday. The discussion centered on how to coordinate their factions in the Knesset to challenge the current administration. This meeting occurred just before Golan spoke with other opposition party heads. The timing aligns with intensified efforts to replace the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The leaders reviewed specific steps needed to turn the parliamentary majority held by parties outside Netanyahu's bloc into political action. A key part of the agenda involved addressing critical issues affecting Israel's Arab community. All parties agreed to maintain coordination ahead of future political developments. Their shared aim is to establish a new government dedicated to change.

A major point of contention remains the role of Arab parties in any new coalition. Golan has consistently argued that the opposition bloc should form a government with these parties. Other opposition leaders have previously set a strict boundary, stating that Arab parties are not viable coalition partners following the October 7 massacre in 2023.

The math of the Knesset complicates these negotiations. The opposition bloc currently lacks the 61 seats necessary to secure a majority without Arab support. Recent election results show Netanyahu's bloc holding 53 seats for the next Knesset. The opposition bloc won 48 seats. This distribution leaves no single side with a clear mandate.

If negotiations fail to produce a workable coalition, Israel could face another general election. However, parties may still reach an agreement through continued talks. Analysts note other outcomes remain possible, such as a unity government combining Netanyahu with the bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot. Another scenario is a minority government that requires careful management of legislative support.

The collaboration between Golan and the Joint List leaders marks a step in the post-election strategy. By addressing structural challenges in coalition building and the concerns of the Arab community, these parties aim to present a unified front. The coming weeks will determine whether a new government can be formed or if the country returns to the polls.