‘We Will Replace Netanyahu’: Thousands Across Israel Demand Coalition With Arab Parties

Demonstrations demanding a united government with Arab parties were held in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and northern Israel, as right-wing pro-Netanyahu demonstrators rallied against cooperation with Arab parties and called for new elections

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Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square on Saturday evening to call for the inclusion of Arab parties in a future government, as similar demonstrations took place in several other major cities across the country.

The protests were held as many members of the political bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party signaled they would prefer to exclude Israel’s two main Arab-led parties, the Joint List and United Arab List, who together secured 19 seats in the election.

Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted slogans including “Through partnership and equality, we will replace the government” and “The people have your back – form a government now.” They later marched toward Rabin Square.

Hundreds gathered at Paris Square in Jerusalem and outside the Haifa auditorium, while several dozen protested at the Performing Arts Center in Be’er Sheva. Another demonstration was held at the so-called triangle area, between the Arab cities of Tira and Taibeh

A few dozen Netanyahu supporters held a counterprotest at Habima Square. Police had designated a separate area for the counterdemonstration, but some activists arrived before its scheduled start and entered the area reserved for those calling for a Jewish-Arab political alliance.

The right-wing protesters chanted slogans including “Bibi, King of Israel,” “Occupation, expulsion and settlement,” and “The people demand new elections.” Some also held signs reading “No to a terrorist government,” “No guns, no knives – there will be no Palestine here,” and “The High Court of Justice is a judicial dictatorship.” Police detained one activist on suspicion of disturbing public order after he allegedly urged others to enter the main demonstration area.

Similar demonstrations were held on Thursday, when about 200 people gathered outside the Herzliya home of Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot, the opposition’s leading candidate to form the next government, calling for a coalition that includes Arab parties. Protesters chanted “The people have decided – Jewish-Arab partnership” and “Jews and Arabs refuse to be enemies.”

Opposition parties won 67 seats in the 120-member Knesset in Tuesday’s election, compared with 53 for Netanyahu’s bloc. However, the four-party bloc led by Yashar’s Gadi Eisenkot has only 48 seats without the support of Arab parties, leaving it short of the 61 needed for a parliamentary majority.

Following the election, United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas said his party wanted to be part of the next government. Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen also said this week that his party was prepared to help pave the way for Netanyahu’s removal from power.

Arab citizens make up roughly 20 percent of Israel’s population, but Arab parties have generally been excluded from governing coalitions. Their support could prove decisive in determining whether the parties seeking to replace Netanyahu can form a government.