Author Urges Israelis to Vote as Duty, Citing Oct. 7 Failures
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Author Avi Benayahu calls the upcoming election a "day of judgment" for Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, urging citizens to vote as a duty to honor the victims of the October 7th attacks. He criticizes the government's alleged evasion of responsibility and prioritization of politics over security. Benayahu expresses hope for a unifying leadership from the opposition, highlighting figures like Gadi Eisenkot and acknowledging the experience of others, while lamenting the current state of national discourse.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Author Avi Benayahu urges Israelis to vote, calling the election a "day of judgment" for the current government.
- He criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu for evading responsibility for the October 7th failures.
- Benayahu implores citizens to vote in memory of the victims of the October 7th attacks.
- He expresses hope for a unifying leadership from the opposition, praising figures like Gadi Eisenkot.
- The author laments that the word "peace" has become a taboo in Israeli discourse.
Author Avi Benayahu argues that the upcoming election is not just a democratic ritual but a "day of judgment" for the current government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He contends that those in power are evading responsibility for the failures leading up to and on October 7, prioritizing political survival and coalition interests over national security and the army's needs. Benayahu urges all eligible citizens to vote, framing it as a "duty" rather than just a right.
He implores voters to bring their families to the polls and to remember the victims of the October 7th attacks, including those killed in kibbutzim, moshavim, Sderot, Ofakim, the Nova music festival, and those trapped in shelters. He also invokes the memory of the heroic efforts of emergency response teams, the intelligence failures of the observers, and the suffering of hostages and their families, as well as the displaced and wounded. Benayahu criticizes Netanyahu's refusal to establish a state inquiry commission, suggesting it stems from a desire to avoid accountability for his alleged focus on maintaining his coalition, the judicial overhaul, and his personal legal battles.
Benayahu calls for a government that serves the public, unites the nation, and sets correct national priorities. He notes the diminished significance of the "peace" process, contrasting it with the Abraham Accords which he describes as legitimizing existing situations with countries lacking historical conflict or territorial disputes with Israel. He laments that the word "peace" has become taboo, even for those who pray for it daily.
Reflecting on past leaders, Benayahu contrasts Netanyahu's current campaign of "spins, lies, and incitement" with his former image as "Mr. Peace" and "Mr. Security." He expresses admiration for the candidates in the "change bloc," specifically mentioning Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and highlighting Gadi Eisenkot's integrity, seriousness, and teamwork. He also acknowledges the experience of Avigdor Lieberman and the potential of other new and experienced figures in the opposition lists, indicating he has made his choice and encouraging others to do the same.
The author concludes with a prayer for a worthy, authoritative, and unifying leadership, emphasizing the need to protect the nation and remember that all citizens are united in their children's willingness to sacrifice for their safety. He also mentions an educational initiative by the Metarim organization that uses schools as polling stations to remind students and voters of the importance of unity and influencing the country's future.
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