Author Argues Liberal Minority's Election Fears Are Exaggerated
Columnist Dror Rafael argues that the liberal camp's intense fear of losing the upcoming elections, often framed as "the most fateful in our history," is an overblown, self-serving narrative. He suggests this "engineering of consciousness" is driven by a shrinking Ashkenazi, secular, veteran, socialist, and nationalist (Achos'lim) elite accustomed to power and privilege. This group, Rafael contends, fears losing its ability to promote allies, bypass queues, and secure prestigious positions for its children.
Rafael points to the growing influence of religious, Haredi, conservative, and right-wing segments of the population, exemplified by the rise of right-wing parties and figures like Ofer Vinter. He contrasts this with the "shrinking" liberal camp, which he believes is losing ground daily. The author dismisses the framing of the judicial reform as a "regime coup" that triggered mass protests and threats of civil disobedience as politically motivated marketing.
He criticizes the media's consistent branding of elections as "the most fateful," citing examples like Danny Kushmaro's use of the phrase. Rafael asserts this is an "interested campaign" aimed at mobilizing the liberal base, suggesting a "win or go home" mentality that ignores democratic principles. He notes journalist Raviv Drucker's expressed fear of his children leaving Israel if there isn't a "revolution" in the country's direction, calling it an "threat" that a segment of the population is on the edge.
While acknowledging the difficulties of the past four years, including the war, Rafael credits Prime Minister Netanyahu with "astonishing" military operations. He argues that even for those who don't vote for Netanyahu, his continued leadership, if democratically elected, is not an "unmitigated disaster." Rafael concludes that the "hysteria" surrounding the election is misplaced, and while desiring change is understandable, the idea that an "undesired outcome" necessitates immediate departure is "dishonest" and contrary to democracy.
