In a response to running mate Aliza Bloch's remarks, Gilad Erdan stated that there is no place in any government he joins for Arab parties that support terrorism, specifically Ra'am and the Joint List. He clarified that Zionist Arabs who support national service and recognize Israel's Jewish identity are welcome.
Gilad Erdan, running on a slate with Yuli Edelstein and Aliza Bloch, issued a clear response Monday evening to Bloch's earlier statement that "Arabs certainly have a place" in the Israeli government. In a statement, Erdan rejected the notion that he would join a coalition that includes Ra'am or the Joint List, which he characterized as terror-supporting parties.
"Contrary to the lies being spread, I will not sit in any government with the Arab parties that support terrorism and refuse to define Hamas as a terrorist organization," Erdan said. He added that there is a place for "Zionist Arabs who love the country, support enlistment and national service, and recognize the Jewish identity of the state."
Erdan's remarks come amid ongoing coalition negotiations and internal debates within the right-wing bloc over potential partnerships. As previously reported by The Zioneer, Bloch had stated Monday that Arab citizens have a place in the government, particularly those who support national service.
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