Forming a government in Israel: An opportunity for the country

These days, a diplomatic battle is raging in the conference rooms of fancy hotels and in the Israeli president's residence - regardless of the casualties. There is a unique opportunity for negotiations after the October 27 parliamentary election to put an end to the Netanyahu era and change the course of the country. If only everyone is brave enough to seize the opportunity.

For the Arab parties that have just recommended Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister, this could be a ticket to outgrow the role of traditional protest parties on the political fringes and, even if they are not part of the coalition, to bring down the most right-wing government Israel has ever had. The opposition parties under Eisenkot have the opportunity to take power away from the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history. For Netanyahu's camp, it is simply a matter of political survival.

It is a decision without a safety net and with many question marks: a minority government under Eisenkot with external support from the Arab parties could work purely mathematically. But would it remain stable even in the face of controversial decisions? Ex-Chief of General Staff Eisenkot is not exactly a left-wing pacifist. In addition, Avigdor Liberman, the conservative leader of Yisrael Beitenu, part of the opposition bloc, rejects a minority government.

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A coalition including Arab parties would be safer, but is it feasible? The United Arab List does not want to form a coalition with Zionist parties - and Liberman does not want to form a coalition with Arab parties. An alternative would be an alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties, but even that is highly controversial. And could such a coalition meet the expectations of Arab citizens who have flocked to the polls? And what about the many Israelis who voted for Netanyahu's Likud - after all, the strongest force - and his allies?

Nevertheless, it's worth giving it a try. Ultimately, this is above all an opportunity for the country: to improve Israel's international reputation, to clarify the circumstances of the worst massacre in its history and to return to democratic principles.

And to show its Arab citizens that their participation was not in vain. That her voice was heard.