Professor Urges Candidate to Withdraw, Citing Election Realities
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Professor Moshe Cohen Eliya advised Ofer Vinter to withdraw from the upcoming elections, stating Vinter's list cannot pass the electoral threshold. Citing past election failures and the current critical security situation, Cohen Eliya argued Vinter should demonstrate "leadership of humility." He noted Benny Gantz's withdrawal as an example of taking responsibility. Cohen Eliya believes Vinter could gain respect and lead the right-wing camp in the future by prioritizing public interest over personal ambition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Professor Moshe Cohen Eliya urged candidate Ofer Vinter to withdraw from elections due to low chances of passing the threshold.
- Cohen Eliya cited past election data and the current critical security situation as reasons for Vinter's withdrawal.
- He referenced Benny Gantz's withdrawal as an example of taking responsibility and avoiding wasted votes.
- The professor advised Vinter to show "leadership of humility" by prioritizing public interest over personal ambition.
- Cohen Eliya suggested Vinter could gain respect and lead the right-wing camp in the future by withdrawing now.
Professor Moshe Cohen Eliya has urged Ofer Vinter, a candidate in the upcoming elections, to withdraw from the race, asserting that Vinter's list has no chance of passing the electoral threshold. Cohen Eliya acknowledged Vinter's "authentic sense of mission" and the "beautiful list of good people" he assembled, but argued that "this election cycle is not the time." He cited past election cycles where parties polling 5-8 seats failed to pass the threshold, noting that "the last week sees a campaign of attrition by the large parties at the expense of the small ones." Cohen Eliya referenced the experiences of Ayelet Shaked, Naftali Bennett, Gideon Sa'ar, and Orly Levy as examples of candidates who fell short despite initial poll numbers.
Cohen Eliya stressed the critical nature of the current moment for Israel, mentioning the possibility of renewed intense conflict with Iran within weeks and the instability of the Palestinian Authority, which creates challenges in Judea and Samaria. He drew a parallel to former U.S. President Trump's decision to endorse Netanyahu over another candidate, explaining it as a reluctance to take risks with a new leader. Cohen Eliya also referenced an expert's assessment that conflict with Iran is a matter of weeks away.
He also commented on Benny Gantz's recent withdrawal from the election, stating that Gantz "took responsibility" by observing the polls and avoiding the "burning of votes." Cohen Eliya encouraged Vinter to demonstrate "leadership of humility," a concept he explained using the theory of "escalation of commitment." He argued that true leadership involves recognizing personal limitations, learning from others, admitting mistakes, and prioritizing public interest over personal ambition. Cohen Eliya concluded by stating that Vinter would earn significant respect from the right-wing camp, which he aims to lead "on the day after Netanyahu," if he withdraws, proving he can both advance and retreat when necessary.
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