Israel's Future Depends on Citizen Responsibility, Not Just Leaders
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Author Dvir Kariv contends that Israel's future depends on citizens demanding accountability from their leaders, not on leaders spontaneously taking responsibility. He shares a personal failure to convince a disillusioned young veteran to vote in the 2026 elections, highlighting widespread despair. Kariv criticizes the public's passive blame-casting and lack of sustained demand for accountability from figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Miri Regev. The piece urges citizens to exercise their sovereign power by voting and actively holding elected officials responsible for the nation's successes and failures.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Author Dvir Kariv argues citizens must force leaders to take responsibility for Israel's future.
- A young veteran's despair and decision not to vote in the 2026 elections deeply impacted Kariv.
- The public is criticized for not demanding accountability from leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Miri Regev.
- Kariv questions the public's diminished engagement since protests against judicial reforms.
- Restoring hope to those who have lost faith in the country is a significant challenge.
- The article urges citizens to vote and actively hold their leaders accountable.
Author Dvir Kariv argues that Israel's salvation hinges not on a leader suddenly taking responsibility, but on citizens forcing their leaders to do so. He recounts a disheartening encounter with a 24-year-old who, despite his love for Israel and willingness to serve, had lost hope and intended not to vote in the upcoming 2026 elections. Kariv blames himself for failing to convince the young man, highlighting the profound despair that leads such individuals to disengage.
The article criticizes the tendency to blame others, citing Minister Miri Regev's continued tenure despite a near-disaster involving a plane from Dubai and a high number of road fatalities under her watch. Kariv asserts that the public also bears responsibility for not demanding accountability from her and others, including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the October 7th failures.
Kariv questions where the public's engagement has gone since mass protests against judicial reforms, urging citizens to remember their power as the sovereign. He emphasizes that leaders should fear losing public trust and votes, not violence. The author calls for the next government to be held accountable, stating that rest is not an option.
Reflecting on his own experience teaching civics and now trying to mobilize voters, Kariv admits to failing to reignite hope in the disillusioned. He expresses greater fear of this lost hope than of public apathy, questioning how to restore faith in a country for someone who once risked their life for it but no longer believes in it.
Kariv concludes by stressing that the responsibility for the nation's future, including its failures, lies with the citizens. He urges everyone to take responsibility, vote, and work to restore hope, asserting that the country will be saved when its people collectively demand accountability from their leaders.
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