J Street Statement on Israeli Election Results: A Moment of Truth for Israeli Democracy

Washington, DC – In response to the results of Israel’s election, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement: 

“The results of Israel’s election represent a significant rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist coalition. A clear majority of Israeli voters have sent a powerful message rejecting the extremism, corruption and attacks on democratic institutions that have characterized this government.

The extraordinarily high voter turnout is a powerful testament to the resilience of Israeli democracy. Particularly inspiring was the historic participation of Arab citizens of Israel, who turned out in record numbers and secured unprecedented representation in the Knesset. Their voices and votes are a vital part of Israel’s democratic fabric and a reminder that Israel’s future must be shaped by all of its citizens, Jewish and Arab alike.

While the final results and shape of Israel’s next government remain uncertain, one thing should be clear: This is a moment for the Jewish opposition parties to demonstrate genuine leadership by reaching out to the Arab parties and working together to form an alternative government. In any country that calls itself a liberal democracy, an election in which a clear majority of voters reject the sitting government should lead to fundamental change. Israel should be no exception.

Israel cannot build a stronger, more inclusive democracy while treating the political representatives of one-fifth of its population as illegitimate governing partners. Arab citizens are equal citizens, and their elected representatives deserve a meaningful voice in determining the country’s future. If we take seriously the Jewish teaching that every human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, we cannot accept a democracy that treats Arab citizens and their elected representatives as less legitimate than their Jewish counterparts. Jewish-Arab political cooperation is not simply a matter of parliamentary arithmetic. It is a fundamental test of Israel’s commitment to democracy, equality and pluralism.

For Israel’s supporters in the United States – especially leaders of the American Jewish community – now is the moment to speak out. We call on Jewish communal leaders to make clear that Arab citizens and their elected representatives must be treated as full and legitimate participants in Israel’s democracy, including as potential partners in a governing coalition. Those who care about Israel’s future should say so clearly and publicly at this critical moment.

American support for Israel must be grounded in the conviction that Israel’s future as a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people depends on its commitment to equality, pluralism and full democratic participation for all its citizens.”