Media Figure Criticizes Election Discourse Focused on Personalities Over Policy
Media personality Moti Shklar has criticized the current political discourse ahead of the upcoming elections in Israel, arguing that the focus on individuals like retired Major General Ofir Winter detracts from substantive discussions about ideas and worldviews. In an article published in "Yedioth Ahronoth," Shklar contends that the public is left without answers to crucial questions because the election campaigns revolve around personalities and slogans rather than policy.
Shklar points to two main trends fueling this phenomenon: the rise of individualism and the cult of personality in politics. He observes that for many, personal priorities no longer align with national ones, and the "who" has overshadowed the "what." He specifically uses Ofir Winter's entry into politics as a symptom of this superficiality, stating that the public debate centers on whether Winter will strengthen one camp or another, instead of examining his ideological platform.
He questions the value of presenting candidates as "new" if they are expected to join familiar coalitions. Shklar also raises pointed questions, asking why Winter, who dedicated his career to Israel's security, is considered more worthy than Gadi Eisenkot, who contributed equally. He argues that even a potential political union in the center bloc would be insufficient without a clear plan for implementing their stated ideals of unity.
Shklar outlines several key issues that require concrete answers, including how religious and state matters will be handled, how to preserve the Jewish character of the state without coercion, addressing the burden of military service, governance, and crime, and the willingness to compromise for coexistence within Israeli society.
Concluding with a pessimistic outlook, Shklar believes that as long as politics remains centered on individuals, slogans, and public relations, rather than ideas and a shared purpose, the public will continue to seek unfulfilled answers. He suggests that without addressing these fundamental questions, the "political messiah" will not arrive, despite promises of viable candidates.
