Protesters in Israel call for Jewish-Arab government to replace Netanyahu
Demonstrations in several cities demanded a coalition involving Arab parties following an inconclusive election.
Protesters in several Israeli cities held demonstrations on Saturday evening, October 31, calling for a Jewish-Arab government to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Siasat, rallies took place in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and were planned for Haifa, Beersheba, and Tayibe.
In Tel Aviv, approximately 500 people gathered at Habima Square for a rally organised by the movement Standing Together. The group advocates for political partnership between Jewish and Arab citizens. Participants marched towards Rabin Square carrying placards and chanting slogans regarding equality and partnership.
The Arab-led Joint List and United Arab List (Ra'am) won 19 seats. The combined total of the opposition and Arab parties is 67 seats, which is above the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority.
Opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot stated he would only form a Zionist government with members who recognise Israel as a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state. This position has led to questions regarding cooperation with Arab parties.
United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas has held discussions with parties from both sides, while Democratic Party leader Yair Golan met Abbas on Thursday, October 29. Netanyahu expressed his opposition to the proposed alliance on social media on Saturday, calling the cooperation a disaster for Israel.
