Israeli Election Campaign Lacks Substance, Offers No New Leadership
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Israel's current election campaign is described as sluggish and disappointing, lacking the usual public fervor and focusing on personal attacks rather than policy. Candidates like Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot offer familiar or uninspiring choices, failing to present clear strategies on critical issues such as national security, the economy, or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The campaign has avoided substantive debate, leaving voters without clear direction on the nation's future challenges.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's election campaign is marked by a lack of public engagement and a focus on personal attacks over policy.
- Key candidates like Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot offer familiar leadership, failing to inspire or present new visions.
- Substantive policy discussions on national security, economy, and the Palestinian issue are absent from the campaign.
- The campaign's subdued nature is attributed to war fatigue, maturity, or the shift to social media.
- Voters are left without clear direction on critical national challenges due to the superficial nature of the election.
- The author anticipates a future shift to a new generation of leaders, possibly in elections beyond the current one.
As Israel's election campaign nears its end, it is characterized as both "sluggish" and "disappointing." Unlike previous elections marked by boisterous street campaigns, massive rallies, and widespread propaganda, this year's electioneering has been notably subdued. There have been few large gatherings, minimal public displays of campaign materials, and a distinct absence of the intense confrontations seen during past political disputes, such as those over the judicial overhaul or the conscription of Haredim, or even earlier over the Oslo Accords and the Gaza disengagement.
The author suggests this quietude might be a positive sign, possibly reflecting societal exhaustion from the ongoing war, a newfound maturity, or the shift of political battles to social media. Regardless, the campaign has avoided descending into chaos, a welcome reality. The lack of public enthusiasm is attributed to the uninspiring candidates, with Benjamin Netanyahu offering a familiar leadership choice for the Likud, and the "change bloc" presenting figures from the Oslo era like Gadi Eisenkot, whose responsibility for the failures of October 7th is equated with Netanyahu's, alongside seasoned politicians like Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Lapid.
Those hoping for a political revolution or a "new Arab spring" of brave, ideological leaders emerging from the prolonged wars have been left waiting. This election is not the anticipated turning point. Similarly, the hope for a moment of broad national unity has not materialized, with centrist leaders like Benny Gantz, Ofer Winter, and Yoaz Hendel remaining on the political fringes.
A significant disappointment highlighted is the campaign's complete avoidance of policy discussions. Instead of addressing national security, foreign policy, economic, or social issues, the campaign has been personal, superficial, and negative, focusing on attacks and mutual delegitimization. While Netanyahu's focus on countering Iran's nuclear ambitions is acknowledged as a strength, and Eisenkot's pledge to eliminate Hamas within 18 months is noted, neither candidate has presented detailed policies on critical issues like withdrawal from security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, or the future of settlements in Judea and Samaria, or how to handle international sanctions related to settlement policy.
Furthermore, the candidates have offered no clear strategies regarding strengthening the Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas, preparing for increased conflict, or avoiding international pressure for Palestinian elections that could bring Hamas to power. The crucial issues of defense budgets, economic resilience, funding for independent defense industries, potential tax increases, and cuts to social services have also been ignored. The article also questions the lack of discussion on tackling the escalating crisis in the Negev, the spread of Turkish influence, the integration of Haredim into national service, and the potential for new approaches to Torah study alongside national or military service, as proposed by the new "Haredi Public" party.
In conclusion, the election campaign is deemed below criticism and deeply disappointing, failing to be the major turning point many had hoped for. The author expresses anticipation for a future election of a new generation of brilliant, courageous leaders, suggesting this shift may occur in 2028 or 2030, and calls for the current crop of politicians, from Netanyahu to Eisenkot, to be replaced.
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