Beyond Netanyahu: Israel Needs a Political Vision
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Gershon Baskin argues that any Israeli government aiming for change must move beyond simply replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu and define a clear political vision. He stresses the need for a strategy to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establish a new regional order, advocating for a comprehensive regional agreement. Baskin criticizes the avoidance of the Palestinian issue by political parties and calls for Palestinian elections to enable legitimate leadership for negotiations. He also highlights the urgent need for a plan for Gaza's reconstruction and governance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel needs a clear political vision beyond replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to Gershon Baskin.
- A comprehensive regional agreement is proposed to integrate Israel and establish peace with its neighbors.
- Ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires a credible political process and an independent Palestinian state.
- Baskin criticizes the postponement of Palestinian elections and calls for their support.
- Gaza's reconstruction and governance are presented as a crucial test for the next Israeli government.
- Military superiority alone cannot replace a political vision for Israel's future.
A new Israeli government aiming for a different direction cannot simply focus on replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu, but must define its concrete policy goals, according to Gershon Baskin. He argues that center and center-left parties are currently avoiding serious discussion of the Palestinian issue and regional relations for electoral gain, a stance that could prove disastrous if adopted as policy.
Should these parties form the next government, they will face numerous urgent tasks, including investigating the failures of October 7th, reversing harmful legislation, restoring democratic institutions, and healing societal divisions. Crucially, they must also define Israel's long-term political objectives, including a credible strategy for ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establishing a new regional order where Israel is fully integrated, at peace with its neighbors, and not perpetually fighting Palestinians.
Baskin emphasizes that managing the conflict, maintaining the status quo, or relying solely on military superiority are not strategies. He points to his upcoming book, "The Deal That Could Change the Middle East," which outlines a comprehensive regional agreement involving the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and others. This deal would combine normalization and regional integration with security guarantees, economic cooperation, Gaza's reconstruction, and a credible political process leading to an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
He asserts that normalization with Saudi Arabia is inseparable from the Palestinian issue, and Israel cannot achieve full regional integration while denying Palestinians self-determination. Such a regional agreement would offer Israel significant advantages, including enhanced security cooperation, economic opportunities, and strategic depth. For Palestinians, it would provide a path to freedom, independence, and dignity.
A significant obstacle is the lack of a legitimate Palestinian leadership capable of making historical decisions. Baskin criticizes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's recent decision to postpone elections, noting that a generation has grown up without the chance to elect representatives. He calls for the next Israeli government to unequivocally support Palestinian elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, and to ensure they are not obstructed, particularly regarding East Jerusalem.
Baskin concludes that democratic elections are essential for a new Palestinian leadership to gain the legitimacy needed for negotiations and compromises. The next Israeli government must be equally committed to making peace a reality if the Palestinians elect leaders who pursue it. The immediate test will be Gaza, where a professional Palestinian administration, supported by international forces, is needed for reconstruction and to end Hamas's armed control. He stresses that progress in the West Bank, including halting settlement expansion, is also vital for a negotiated solution.