Israeli Parties Prioritize New Faces Over Experienced Lawmakers

A trend of prioritizing "new blood" and fresh faces over experienced lawmakers is sweeping through Israeli political parties, mirroring a similar phenomenon in 1990s Britain under Tony Blair. This shift, driven by a desire for appealing campaign imagery and a rejection of veteran politicians, has led to seasoned MKs being sidelined, often with little ceremony. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated this trend within the Likud party, reserving a high spot for tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who lacks parliamentary experience. Other parties, including Yisrael Beiteinu, HaTzionut HaDatit, and even the ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah, have followed suit, replacing long-serving members like Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev with newcomers.

This approach has drawn criticism for sidelining politicians with deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and fiscal matters. Vladimir Bliak, a former opposition leader in the Knesset Finance Committee, is highlighted for his diligent, albeit unglamorous, work on public finances, including advocating for small businesses and compensation for war-affected enterprises. Similarly, Naor Shiri is recognized for his efforts on economic issues and emergency preparedness. The article argues that their exclusion from realistic Knesset positions, along with Gafni's abrupt dismissal via text message, represents a significant loss of crucial expertise.

The piece contends that the upcoming Knesset will face immense challenges, including a substantial deficit, high defense spending, and cost of living issues, making the experience of lawmakers like Bliak and Shiri indispensable. The author suggests that while new faces are valuable, they should complement, not replace, the institutional knowledge and practical skills of veteran parliamentarians. The exclusion of experienced individuals is framed as a detriment not just to specific political blocs but to the functioning of the Knesset and the nation as a whole.