Golan: Form govt with Arab parties

"We must establish a new Knesset, and we must form a government as quickly as possible," he said. "Every additional day in which Netanyahu and his partners make destructive decisions about Israel's security, Israel's economy, Israel's infrastructure, and Israel's citizens, every day like that is a day of growing damage that endangers our very existence."

The Democrats chairman sharply attacked the current coalition. "Deep public corruption, messianic and fanatical nationalism, systematic and exploitative draft evasion, all these are a recipe for national disaster," he charged. "The Netanyahu-Ben Gvir-Deri coalition has brought disaster after disaster upon us."

Golan addressed his partners in the change bloc directly with a call likely to spark controversy. "I call on all my colleagues in the renewed Tekuma bloc, let us form a government quickly. Do not disqualify the Arab parties, and do not disqualify the Arab public. Those who can treat our wounded sons and save their lives deserve, are entitled to, and can sit with us in Israel's government and in the Tekuma coalition ... If we can strengthen it later, we will know how to do so with common sense and generosity of heart."

The call comes against a complex backdrop. According to earlier reports, at a meeting of change bloc leaders at the Dan Akadia Hotel in Herzliya, all those present agreed that no government would be formed relying on the Arabs, though they agreed to hold talks with the chareidi factions. Golan's position stands in opposition to that agreement.

At the same time, he outlined his party's vision for the coming period. "We Democrats intend to stand for our decisive and essential part in Israel's recovery," he said. "We will restore security through military strength and political wisdom; we will return law and order to every corner of the country, and we will fortify Israel's fragile democracy until it is strong on all three branches."

On religion and state matters, Golan presented a balanced position. "We will stand for freedom of religion and freedom from religion, with deep respect for the individual, the citizen and Israel's heritage," he said. He added commitments in education, science and technology, promising "unprecedented investment" in these areas.

"This is a time for the brave of heart," he said. "From courage, from truth, from commitment to the citizen, and from absolute loyalty to Israel's security, unity will grow. We are great believers in unity of truth, unity that places the good of the state and its citizens above personal and political considerations."