Author Admits Mistake on Demand for Political Unity in Israel
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The author admits he was mistaken about the public's desire for genuine political unity in Israel, observing that divisions persist despite ongoing conflict. He notes that while everyday Israelis cooperate across political lines, the Knesset remains mired in personal feuds, leading to weak governments. With new elections approaching, he hopes for a broad, unifying government to emerge from the current political deadlock.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Author admits he was wrong about the public's demand for deep political unity in Israel.
- He observed limited political diversity at an event hosted by MK Michal Waldiger.
- A hoped-for "third bloc" seeking unity has seemingly dissolved into binary political discourse.
- The author criticizes the Knesset for petty feuds that lead to weak and extortionate governments.
- He hopes upcoming elections will lead to a broad, unifying Zionist government.
- The author laments the politicization of even heroic acts, such as passengers subduing an attacker on a flight.
The author reflects on a recent event during the Sukkot holiday where he was invited to speak at an event hosted by MK Michal Waldiger (Religious Zionism). While the gathering featured a diverse range of public figures, the political representation was limited to Waldiger and Shira Shapira, a candidate for the "Yashar" party. This limited political diversity, the author notes, exemplifies the current state of Israeli politics, where ideological divides prevent genuine cross-party engagement.
The author admits he was wrong in believing there was a significant public demand for deep, "Zionist-Israeli" unity over the past three years, especially following the judicial reform protests and the ongoing war. He had hoped for a "third bloc" of Israelis tired of internal conflicts who would force a broader unity, but this movement has seemingly dissolved, absorbed by the binary "pro-Netanyahu" or "anti-Netanyahu" discourse fueled by social media and political commentators.
He argues that the current atmosphere, characterized by prolonged conflict, fosters a "black and white" mentality of "us versus them," leading to a desire to "win" and "crush" opponents rather than seek common ground. This contrasts sharply with everyday life in Israel, where people collaborate regardless of political affiliation. In contrast, the Knesset is described as a "dangerous kindergarten" engaging in petty feuds and personal disqualifications, resulting in narrow, extortionate governments that lead to failures and paralysis.
The author cites a recent incident where passengers heroically subdued an attacker on a flight from Dubai. He laments that even this act of mutual aid was quickly politicized, with commentators attempting to categorize the heroes based on their political leanings. With elections looming in less than three weeks, the author expresses hope that the political establishment will finally embrace common sense and form a broad, Zionist government based on a deep shared denominator, rather than continuing the cycle of division and political survival.
Mentioned
