Democrats head Golan meets Joint List leaders ahead of opposition talks on replacing Netanyahu

The parties agreed to continue coordinating ahead of upcoming political developments, with the stated goal of establishing a new government of change.

Democrats chairman Yair Golan met with Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen and Ahmad Tibi on Tuesday for the first time since the elections, just before meeting with the opposition party heads amid intensified efforts to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed coordination between their Knesset factions and the steps needed to translate the parliamentary majority held by parties outside Netanyahu's bloc into political action to replace the government of Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The discussions also addressed key issues affecting Israel's Arab community and the need to advance practical solutions.

The parties agreed to continue coordinating ahead of upcoming political developments, with the stated goal of establishing a new government of change.

Golan calls to form coalition with Arab parties, opposition leaders draw red line

Golan has long called for the opposition bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu to form a coalition with the Arab parties, while the other heads of the opposition parties had previously drawn a red line to Arab parties being part of the government, saying they are not viable coalition partners after the October 7 massacre in 2023.

The opposition bloc lacks the required 61-seat Knesset majority without the support of the Arab parties. The election results showed that  Netanyahu’s bloc maintained its lead, securing 53 seats in the next Knesset, while the opposition bloc won 48.

The political deadlock could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations. Other possible outcomes include a unity government among Netanyahu and members of Eisenkot’s bloc, or the formation of a minority government.