Arabs say they want partnership. What about the Jews?

A new survey by Abraham Initiatives paints a clear picture: the Arab public in Israel wants to be a partner. 44% of those surveyed support the participation of an Arab party in any government formed, 33% favor participation in a center-left government, and 12% support backing the government from the outside in exchange for significant achievements for Arab society. In other words, 89% –  a clear majority – of the Arab public believes in political partnership, especially with the Zionist center-left, and wants to be involved in decision-making.

Despite this, the Zionist parties in the opposition continue to ignore the Arabs. Instead of initiating collaborations with Arab parties and proposing a shared agenda for an opposition struggle to replace the government, they leave Arab society and its representatives in the Knesset out of the game, thus strengthening the sense of alienation and despair.

It’s time for a change of approach. The opposition parties must understand that the Arab parties are a potential game-changer and begin to see and treat them as strategic partners. The first step is to include Arab Knesset members in opposition meetings and start working together to propose a real alternative to the current government. This is not just a symbolic move but an essential step in forming a significant political force that could provide a governmental alternative.

For this to happen, the opposition must stop seeing Arab leadership only as a partner of convenience during a temporary crisis. The partnership needs to be principled, ongoing, and based on a clear agenda of combating crime, economic development, resolving the housing crisis, and integrating the Arab community into decision-making processes. One doesn’t have to look far to understand what strategic partnership means: look at Netanyahu and the Haredim and learn something.

Motivation to vote – the key to change

This approach would not only create broader political power, it could also lead to higher voter turnout in the Arab community. The data from the survey shows a direct link between the existence of a real political alternative and the motivation to go out and vote. In other words, the more the Arab public believes that their vote will influence the composition of the next government, the more likely they are to exercise their democratic right and vote in the upcoming elections.

Years of marginalizing the Arab public from the political center have led to frustration, indifference, and voter abstention. The Arab public hears how they are spoken about and dismissed by those claiming to replace the government. They are also fed up with empty promises during election seasons. They want to see genuine commitment from Jewish parties, not just through lip service but also through action. This means including Arab Knesset members in strategic meetings, creating legislative collaborations, and promoting legislation that benefits all citizens of the state, both Jews and Arabs.

The opposition’s opportunity

In contrast to a government that is promoting a more extreme and nationalistic agenda than ever, the opposition now has the opportunity to prove that it represents all of Israel’s citizens. Ignoring the Arab community means losing significant electoral potential, strengthening the sense of marginalization, and harming the chances for real political change.

The Abraham Initiatives survey shows that the Arab public is ready for partnership. Now, it’s our turn. Opposition representatives must internalize the message, stop fearing cooperation with the Arab leadership, and start taking action. Only then can we create a new political reality – one that is equal, democratic, and represents all citizens of the state.

The ball is in the opposition’s court – will they be brave enough to play differently?