Opposition Bloc Urged to Adopt Five-Step Strategy for Election Victory

An Israeli political commentator has outlined a five-step "salvation campaign" for the opposition bloc, aiming to prevent dire political outcomes and secure victory in upcoming elections. The author warns of severe consequences if the "change bloc" fails to achieve an absolute majority of 61 Knesset seats, including the potential for Israel to become a "new South Africa" with a destroyed national identity, international isolation, internal division, and elite emigration. A less severe scenario involves an electoral tie leading to another election in 2027, resulting in stagnation. A "heavy scenario" suggests a minority government formed with Arab support and a deal with the ultra-Orthodox, which would likely collapse due to right-wing backlash.

The proposed strategy begins with a joint announcement by Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman endorsing Gadi Eisenkot as the agreed-upon candidate for prime minister. Eisenkot would then appoint Bennett as deputy prime minister and finance minister, and Lieberman as defense minister. This move is intended to unify the "liberals," leverage their administrative capabilities and experience, and present a strong right-wing component to counter claims of the bloc being solely left-wing.

The second step involves forming a "government of light" shadow cabinet, comprising around ten additional "bright professionals" alongside existing figures like Keren Turner, Liran Ben-Horin, Adi Altshuler, and Shaul Mofaz. The third step calls for the unification of the Yashar and Be'Yahad parties into a single, strong center-right political force to counter the Likud party. Although they would run on separate lists initially, they would merge post-election, with Eisenkot leading the party in the coming years and Bennett taking over in the next decade.

The fourth step emphasizes focusing all campaign messaging on "strength," arguing that Israelis, scarred by recent events, desire this above all else. The opposition should contrast "true Israeli strength" with what the author dismisses as the "empty "Jewish power"" of Itamar Ben-Gvir and "fanatics," framing populism and extreme nationalism as weakness and the Zionist approach as strength.

The final step addresses the ultra-Orthodox community, identifying it as a major point of contention alongside fear of Arabs. The author advocates for a coordinated campaign to dismantle the "ultra-Orthodox state within Israel" and integrate the community into Israeli life, starting with mandatory conscription for ultra-Orthodox youth. The article concludes by stating that immediate adoption of these five steps is crucial to change the situation and offer a genuine, inspiring proposal to save and transform Israel.