With the swearing-in of the new Knesset this week, we are beginning to see what the first steps toward a better future might look like. Since Tuesday, the opposition bloc has already taken steps toward addressing some of the wounds left by the previous four years of Netanyahu’s government.
Even without forming a coalition, Eisenkot and his allies have committed to reversing damaging legislation passed under the prior government and have reconstituted the Arrangements Committee, which organizes the Knesset’s initial work and decides which members of parliament will serve on each of its permanent committees.
These developments demonstrate that there are opportunities to begin making progress even before a new government is formed. The Knesset can pass legislation, elect a new Speaker, and advance important institutional reforms. In fact, this process has already begun. Bills have been submitted to establish a state commission of inquiry into October 7, amend the Basic Law: The Government to impose term limits on the office of Prime Minister, and repeal significant parts of the judicial overhaul.
While this is not the government we at Partners for Progressive Israel envision, these initiatives represent an opportunity to begin rebuilding democratic institutions, restoring public trust, and addressing some of the challenges facing Israeli society.
At the same time, we must recognize that these first steps are not enough. The Israeli electorate sent an important message, and its concerns must not be ignored. Sixty-seven Knesset seats went to parties opposed to Netanyahu’s continued leadership. This represents a significant political mandate and an opportunity to build a political alternative, but it also comes with a responsibility to reflect the diversity of Israeli society, recognize the importance of Jewish-Arab partnership, and offer a credible path toward a more democratic and peaceful future.
At Partners for Progressive Israel, we have decided not to remain silent on this issue. We have been organizing webinars, supporting our partner organizations in Israel, and mobilizing American Jews and others who care about Israel’s democratic future. We have also launched a petition calling on opposition leaders to engage Arab parties in coalition negotiations and recognize Jewish-Arab political partnership as an essential part of Israel’s future.
We believe that building a different political future requires more than opposing the status quo. It requires a willingness to embrace partnership, inclusion and a shared commitment to democracy.
The road ahead will not be easy, and these first steps are only the beginning. But a different future is possible, and those of us who care about Israel have a responsibility to help bring it about.
I hope you will join us in working toward the Israel we want to see.
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