Author Flies to Israel for Election, Seeking Change Amid Political Divide
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
An Israeli-born professor living in Munich flew to Tel Aviv to vote in Israel's election, seeking a change in leadership. He laments the decline of the Israeli left and criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security record and policies, particularly in light of the October 7th attacks. The author expresses hope for Netanyahu's removal, even with the country leaning right, and desires a government focused on security and accountability. He contrasts this with the international reaction and the situation for Jewish students in Germany.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Author flew to Israel to vote, seeking change from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.
- The Israeli left has significantly diminished since the 1990s, impacting the political landscape.
- October 7th attacks highlighted security failures and the complex relationship with Gaza.
- Netanyahu faces criticism for past policies, including funding Hamas and deflecting blame.
- Hope for change exists despite Israel's rightward political shift, with potential coalition dynamics.
- Author observes international criticism of Israel and its impact on Jewish students abroad.
An Israeli-born professor living in Munich describes his decision to fly to Tel Aviv to vote in Israel's upcoming election, a journey undertaken by thousands of expatriates. He reflects on his past as a left-wing activist for the Meretz party in the late 1990s, contrasting it with the current political landscape where the Israeli left has significantly diminished. The author notes that parties like Labor and Meretz, which once held substantial power, now poll at around nine percent, having merged into the Democrats. He attributes this shift not to a flawed peace agenda but to a misjudgment of partners and an underestimation of internal animosity.
The author draws a parallel between the political climate and the events of October 7, 2023, referencing the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin following threats from figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir. He highlights the tragic irony of peace activists in kibbutzim near Gaza, such as Vivian Silver of Be'eri, who advocated for coexistence and were murdered or abducted by Hamas terrorists and Gaza civilians. The author observes a global outcry for Gaza but a muted response for the hostages, noting that no "uninvolved" Palestinians have been documented freeing hostages, while individuals like Noa Argamani were rescued from civilian homes.
He criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who campaigned on security but presided over the deadliest day for Israelis since the Holocaust. The author points to Netanyahu's past policies, including allowing Qatari funds to reach Gaza to appease Hamas, his initial deflection of blame onto security chiefs, and the absence of a state inquiry commission. He also notes Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial and his coalition's inclusion of figures like Ben-Gvir, who has a conviction for supporting terrorism, and the controversial proposal to exempt yeshiva students from military service.
Despite the country's shift to the right, the author expresses hope for Netanyahu's removal, citing a poll showing his bloc narrowly behind opponents, neither reaching the 61-seat majority needed. He discusses the potential role of Arab parties, with 40 percent of Israelis open to a government supported by them if it means ousting Netanyahu. The author's personal hope rests on figures like former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and former settler leader Naftali Bennett, representing a shift from his past activism. He desires a government that focuses on confronting enemies, establishes a genuine inquiry commission, arrests violent settlers, and ensures equitable military service.
The author also addresses the situation in Germany, where he observes a tendency to hold Israelis accountable for their government's actions, particularly affecting Jewish students. He concludes that while his hope for peace has faded, his hope for Israel remains, and he would return to vote again if necessary.
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