Israel's Elections: Lessons Unlearned from Past and Future Hopes

The recent Israeli elections concluded without a clear victor, leaving the nation at a political crossroads. The author, lawyer Zaki Kamal, argues that neither the far-right nor the self-proclaimed liberal right camps secured a decisive win. A significant factor, he notes, was the Arab citizens' vote, which delivered a message that popular will cannot be suppressed by force or religious dogma.

Kamal contends that the elections, regardless of their outcome, were inevitably shaped by the events of October 7, 2023, and the current government's responsibility. He criticizes the political discourse for evading accountability for the failures leading up to that date, suggesting that a true investigation is unlikely. The author points out that early polls and the final results indicated a lack of a decisive outcome, a situation that will lead to complex coalition negotiations and presidential consultations.

He questions whether Israel has truly learned from the October 7 attacks, asserting that most analysts and the public agree the political system has failed to internalize the necessary lessons. This is evident in the deepening divisions within Israeli society, the temporary nature of wartime unity, and the return to partisan bickering and mutual accusations. Kamal expresses concern about the potential for further evasion of responsibility, especially given the absence of accountability culture since October 7, contrasting it with military and security leaders who have accepted blame.

The article further explores Israel's over-reliance on military strength and technology, arguing that it has not guaranteed security and may lead to more confrontations. Kamal criticizes the belief that advanced technology and border defenses are a panacea, suggesting that diplomatic efforts have been neglected. He also highlights the growing distrust in state institutions and the political system's prioritization of political survival over national interest, impacting decision-making, appointments, and budget allocations.

Kamal also addresses the strained relationship between the Israeli establishment and its Arab citizens, which he believes has reached a critical juncture post-October 7. He notes the shrinking democratic space for Arab citizens, including digital surveillance, arrests, and restrictions on protests, despite their generally disciplined behavior. The author criticizes the political parties' marginalization of Arab citizens and the tendency to view them as a fifth column, hindering their participation in decision-making and exacerbating economic disparities.

Looking internationally, Kamal argues that Israel's automatic support from allies like the US and European nations has waned. He points to recent sanctions on settlers and the Netherlands' withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest as evidence of growing international pressure. The author stresses the need for a pragmatic foreign policy, balancing relations with the US and China, and acknowledges that past support does not grant immunity for actions in Gaza and the West Bank. He also notes the stagnation of normalization agreements with Arab nations, suggesting that a Saudi deal, contingent on progress towards a Palestinian state, should be a priority.

Finally, Kamal calls for both Israelis and Palestinians to elect leaders who focus on the future, progress, and building bridges of trust, rather than perpetuating past conflicts. He emphasizes the need for new leadership unburdened by decades of animosity, capable of transitioning from managing conflict to making peace and ensuring a secure future for the region. He also touches upon the Palestinian leadership's need for strategic change and unity in the wake of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent devastating war.