Commentator: Netanyahu Lost, But 'Change Bloc' Suffered Crushing Defeat
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Political commentator Amit Segal stated that the "change bloc" suffered a crushing defeat in the recent elections, despite excellent organization, while Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet secured a victory. Segal attributed the "change bloc's" failure to demographics and a flawed message that failed to convince the public on key issues like the war and Haredi draft evasion. He suggested that the Arab parties' significant vote may have inadvertently formed a "unity bloc," forcing Israelis to consider coexistence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Political commentator Amit Segal declared the "change bloc" suffered a crushing defeat in the elections.
- Segal noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet secured a victory, with no bloc achieving a majority.
- He attributed the "change bloc's" failure to demographics and a problematic message.
- Segal suggested the Arab parties' historic vote may have formed an unexpected "unity bloc."
- He outlined a difficult dilemma for Liberman, Bennett, and Izencott regarding future government formation.
Political commentator Amit Segal stated that while no bloc has secured a majority in the latest election results, the "change bloc" has suffered a significant defeat. He noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet won, but the "change bloc" has been "crushed."
Segal described the "change bloc's" organization for the elections as "exemplary, so organized, so energetic," with impressive surplus agreements and unprecedented flight arrangements for voters abroad. Despite this, he observed that the bloc ended up with roughly the same number of mandates as in the previous election, attributing this to demographics overcoming energy and a problematic, failed message.
He elaborated that the public was not convinced the war was a complete victory or a total failure. While they rejected the Haredi draft evasion, they did not support a minority government relying on draft dodgers and anti-Zionists. Segal also highlighted the public's disgust with slogans like "We do not believe in the Zionist government" but shock at "Biladi, Biladi" sung at the Joint List's headquarters.
Segal further commented on Netanyahu's changing situation, noting that it was clear earlier that the Knesset Speaker would be ousted and a minority government led by Izencott would be formed. However, based on Izencott's own criteria, his legitimacy to form such a government has been lost, as it would require active support from the Joint List, which seems "hopeless and pointless."
He argued that in Israel post-October 7th, it's unlikely for relatives of Hamas murder victims to sit in the same coalition long-term with Knesset members who describe Hamas as a charity. Segal suggested Netanyahu has effectively invited the "change bloc" to negotiate, leaving Liberman, Bennett, and Izencott with a difficult dilemma: face another election with lower turnout, join Netanyahu's bloc under harsh terms, or seek support from Ra'am and the Joint List.
Finally, Segal discussed the search for a "third bloc" or "unity bloc," which included figures like Gantz and Ardan, but they "collapsed, evaporated, or disappeared." He suggested that perhaps the Arab parties, with their "historic and hysterical" vote, formed this unity bloc, reminding Jews on both sides that they may need to learn to sit together after years of division.
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