Dan Meridor, who held multiple cabinet posts under Likud-led governments, has called on opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to move quickly to form a new government, with the backing of Arab parties.
"The Arabs are not enemies; we can live together," Meridor said in a broadcast interview. "I oppose ruling out the parties in advance. We need to negotiate with them."
Meridor joined dozens of former ministers, Knesset members and public figures in signing a letter to opposition leaders, urging them not to disqualify cooperation with Arab citizen parties in the effort to establish an alternative government.
The signatories acknowledged that working with Arab parties would be complex, but argued it could advance Israel and make it a more humane and democratic state that pursues both security and peace. The alternative, they wrote, is far more dangerous. "Now you have the privilege of showing leadership, courage and determination, and of acting to realize the hope and the vision," the letter concluded.
