Author Urges Opposition to Uphold Promises, Not Boycott Arab Parties
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Author Gal Lebartov urges Israeli opposition leaders to fulfill their promises to voters by forming a government, rather than adhering to a pledge not to sit with Arab parties. He argues this boycott is racist and hypocritical, especially given past actions by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies. Lebartov contends that upholding other critical promises, such as establishing a state inquiry into the October 7th failures and reversing the judicial overhaul, should take precedence over the boycott pledge.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Author Gal Lebartov calls on opposition leaders to uphold promises to form a government, not boycott Arab parties.
- He criticizes the boycott as racist and hypocritical, citing past actions by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Lebartov argues other campaign promises, like a state inquiry into October 7th failures, are more important.
- The author suggests the opposition's stance makes them appear as racist as those they oppose.
- He implores them to prioritize Israel's future and other commitments over the boycott pledge.
Author Gal Lebartov argues that opposition leaders should honor their campaign promises to form a government, rather than adhering to their pledge not to sit in a government with Arab parties or one supported by "non-Zionist" Knesset members. Lebartov contends that upholding these promises would alleviate the burden on reserve and regular soldiers, promote equality and security, aid in national rehabilitation, and save democracy.
He criticizes the boycott of Arab parties as racist and a futile attempt to court the ruling party's voters at the expense of those who elected the opposition. Lebartov points out that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself previously sought to form a coalition with an Arab party, and that Netanyahu's own "Kahanist" allies are arguably less Zionist than the ultra-Orthodox parties he partners with. The author suggests that the opposition leaders, if in Netanyahu's position, would not hesitate to form a government with Arab parties.
Lebartov further asserts that the opposition's current stance makes them appear as racist as those they sought to replace, particularly in the international arena, especially after the October 7th attacks. He criticizes their attempts to justify boycotting Arabs while condemning boycotting Jews, and their implication that all Arabs are worthless since October 7th. The author laments that the opposition seems to be abandoning values, morality, humanity, Zionism, and Judaism in favor of simply keeping their promise not to sit with Arab parties.
He reminds the opposition of their other promises, including upholding the values of the Declaration of Independence, reversing the judicial overhaul, ensuring equal burden-sharing, integrating minorities, supporting those who serve, rescuing public service, protecting watchdogs, and rehabilitating education, healthcare, and evacuated communities. Lebartov also recalls promises to establish a state commission of inquiry into the failures leading to the October 7th massacre, a task that can only be accomplished by a government.
Lebartov concludes by stating that if the promise to boycott Arab parties is more important than Israel's future, children's futures, or any other promise, then the opposition leaders are prioritizing like the current government. He urges them to look at the victims of the war and tell them they are sorry but keeping the promise to boycott Arabs is more important, implying that future bloodshed will also be on their hands.
