Yair Golan vows to replace Netanyahu, backs coalition with Arab party Ra'am - interview

Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats party, told The Jerusalem Post that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has turned Israel into a "liability" for the US in the Middle East. Golan backs including the Arab party Ra'am in a future coalition and outlined plans to integrate ultra-Orthodox into military or civilian service. The Democrats are polling at about nine seats ahead of the October 27 elections. He also called for a two-state solution as part of a regional agreement, criticizing the current government's diplomatic approach.

Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats party, told The Jerusalem Post in a recent interview that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has turned Israel into a "liability" for the United States' diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Golan said the government "burned bridges" with both Democrats and Republicans in Washington, leaving Israel "outside the room" for negotiations on agreements crucial to the country's security. He argued that the Arab party Ra'am should be included in the next coalition, a position at odds with potential coalition partners. Golan also outlined plans to integrate ultra-Orthodox into military or civilian service through a state-administered assessment process, and called for a two-state solution as part of a comprehensive regional agreement. The Democrats, formed through a merger of Labor and Meretz, are polling at approximately nine seats ahead of the October 27 elections.