Israeli Elections Offer No Real Choice, Analyst Argues

An analysis published in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed argues that the upcoming Israeli elections are not a contest between left and right, or moderate and extremist, but rather a competition between different factions of the far-right Zionist movement. The core issue, particularly concerning Palestinians, is which group can most effectively advance the Zionist movement's goals of annexation, Judaization, and ethnic cleansing with minimal Israeli losses.

The article asserts that all opposition parties, without exception, reject ending the occupation, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the dismantling or halting of settlement expansion. It quotes opposition figure Avigdor Lieberman stating, "We will not evacuate any settlement, and a Palestinian state will not be established," and calling for the cancellation of the Oslo Accords and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.

Former IDF Chief of Staff and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot is cited as supporting continued settlement in the West Bank and opposing a Palestinian state. His plan reportedly involves annexing 58% of the West Bank, maintaining Israeli security control over the remainder, and renewing conflict with Gaza to eliminate Hamas. His Yisrael Beiteinu party's platform emphasizes strengthening and establishing new settlements.

Furthermore, the platform of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's faction supports Jewish settlement anywhere legally permissible under Israeli law, opposes a Palestinian state and withdrawal from occupied territories, and considers Area C of the West Bank part of Israeli sovereignty. The Democratic Camp (Labor and Meretz) is quoted as saying the strategy of managing the conflict has failed, and the IDF and Shin Bet require full operational freedom.

The analysis contends that the similarity in positions between government and opposition parties stems from their shared aim to win votes in a society that has largely shifted towards extreme racism, bordering on fascism in its view of Palestinians. It criticizes Western governments and normalization proponents for portraying the Israeli opposition as peace-seeking, thereby attempting to whitewash Israel's image amid accusations of genocide and colonial terrorism.

The article warns Palestinians against harboring illusions that the Israeli opposition might revive the Oslo Accords, as these parties also reject the agreement and any compromise. It concludes that regardless of the election outcome, whether Netanyahu's coalition wins, the opposition prevails, or a unity government is formed, the Palestinian people must focus on changing the balance of power through resilience, resistance, and international pressure, including boycotts and sanctions. This requires overcoming internal divisions and forming a unified leadership with a genuine struggle strategy to confront the current critical phase.