The future Israel cannot ignore: Opposition must speak to the country it hopes to lead - comment

Sarah Ben-Nun argues that Israel's opposition must articulate a vision for governing with Arab citizens as equal partners, not just as a voting bloc. She discusses Yair Golan's call for a government formed with Arab parties, the complication of alleged Qatari foreign interference, and the need to address education for Arab and haredi children, citing Shoresh Institution data.

Sarah Ben-Nun argues that Israel's opposition must explain how it plans to govern the country it hopes to lead, particularly regarding Arab political partnership. She references Democrats chairman Yair Golan's call for a government formed in partnership with Arab citizens, noting that a vote cast in Tira carries the same weight as one in Givat Shmuel. The article acknowledges that Thursday morning's reports of suspected foreign interference, including alleged Qatari funding, complicate that conversation, but stresses that even if unlawful funding is proved, it would not justify treating Arab voters collectively as participants in wrongdoing. Ben-Nun calls for a discussion beyond the next government, addressing security, war trauma, education, and social services. She cites Shoresh Institution data showing haredi children at 25% of first graders and Arabic-speaking children at 23%, warning of consequences for failing to give children skills needed for a modern economy. The piece also notes Moti Leitner's Haredi Public party, which campaigned on incorporating mathematics and English into haredi education.