US Jews urge unity, but Israelis must live with the consequences - opinion

An opinion piece argues that Israeli opposition parties should not form a coalition with Arab parties like the Joint List to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that such a move would compromise Israel's identity as a Jewish state and that those who do not live in Israel should not dictate its governance.

In an opinion piece published on November 7, 2026, Cookie Schwaeber-Issan argues that Israeli opposition parties should think twice before joining forces with Arab parties to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The author, a former Jerusalem school principal and former member of Kibbutz Re'im, warns that while Progressive US Jews urge unity, they do not have to live with the consequences. The piece contrasts the moderate Ra'am party under Mansour Abbas with the Joint List, which includes Hadash and Ta'al, led by Yousef Jabareen and Ahmad Tibi. The author notes that the Joint List demands an 'end to the occupation' and refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state or denounce Hamas and Hezbollah. The piece argues that any coalition must be rooted in the principle of Israel as a Jewish homeland, and that those who do not live in Israel should not dictate its governance.