Israeli opinion pieces urge national unity government after 2026 elections

Two Israeli opinion pieces call for a national unity government, citing past examples and urging President Isaac Herzog to explore creative solutions beyond public consultations.

David Ben Zion calls in an opinion piece for the establishment of a national unity government in Israel, against the backdrop of the results of the elections for the 26th Knesset. He notes an unprecedented voter turnout of nearly 80% and interprets this as a public declaration. The article argues that whoever refuses to sit with a Zionist political rival who serves in the reserves must explain their preference for political hatred over national responsibility. Ben Zion sets a red line: support for terrorism is not a basis for partnership, but an Arab citizen who recognizes Israel as a Jewish and democratic state can be a partner. He mentions the Peres-Shamir unity government of 1984 as an example of the possibility of cooperation despite disagreements. The article lists national tasks: security, rehabilitation of communities, sharing the burden of service, the cost of living, and economic certainty. It concludes with a call for leaders to enter a room and emerge with a government, emphasizing that there is no other nation to replace.