Ideology Replaced by Ego in Israeli Politics, Analyst Argues
As party lists for the 26th Knesset close, political commentator Yossi Ahimeir criticizes the current state of Israeli politics, asserting that loyalty, platforms, and ideology have been supplanted by ego, careerism, and the pursuit of the prime minister's office. With the transfer window for politicians closed, Knesset members can no longer switch parties, a phenomenon Ahimeir notes has occurred multiple times for some seeking to remain in parliament.
Ahimeir points to the departures from "Yesh Atid" and "Blue and White" as examples of this lack of loyalty and principle. He argues that ideology is virtually absent from the current election cycle, with the primary drivers being personal ambition to lead or simply retain a seat in the Knesset.
Naftali Bennett is cited as a prime example of ideological inconsistency, with Ahimeir questioning his claims of being right-wing given his past willingness to potentially evacuate settlements. Avigdor Lieberman is also highlighted for his shifting stances on issues concerning Arab and Haredi citizens and the Palestinian state, contrasting his current public statements with his writings from 2001.
The article laments the disappearance of the political "platform" and questions the very definition of a "party" in the current landscape, suggesting that ideological substance has been replaced by lip service. Historically, figures like Begin and Ben-Gurion brought clear ideological weight, allowing voters to choose based on principles, not just personality.
Today, ideological clarity is largely confined to the political extremes, represented by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Yair Golan. Ahimeir anticipates that the upcoming election may sharpen messages, but the focus will likely remain on the two main contenders, Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot. While Netanyahu leads a traditional party, Eisenkot heads a newer entity whose full composition is still emerging. Ahimeir questions Eisenkot's core principles, suggesting his shift from Likud voter is driven by a desire for power rather than conviction. The article concludes by noting that while pragmatism is sometimes necessary, it should operate within clear principles, a standard exemplified by Yitzhak Shamir, contrasting with Ariel Sharon's disengagement from ideological underpinnings.
