Author Argues Netanyahu Outmaneuvered Abbas, Cites Arab Voter Turnout Concerns

The author draws a parallel between current Israeli political divisions and historical disagreements, suggesting that a failure to unite against existential threats, like the Titanic heading for an iceberg, leads to disaster. He references the 1935 agreement between David Ben-Gurion and Ze'ev Jabotinsky, which was ultimately rejected by the Histadrut labor union, arguing that such internal divisions have historically hindered national progress. The piece posits that if the energy expended on infighting had been channeled differently, Jewish history might have unfolded with greater success, particularly in rescuing European Jews.

The article then shifts to recent election results, questioning the unprecedented surge in Arab voter turnout. It notes that there are no claims of vote-counting fraud, but expresses bewilderment at the high participation rates, especially from individuals and groups who have historically boycotted elections due to discrimination, perceived government neglect, or ideological opposition to the state. The author suggests that the shift in tactics by figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir may have influenced this turnout.

Furthermore, the article details allegations of material compensation for votes within the Arab sector, citing recorded conversations that allegedly describe such practices as "customary in municipal elections." It highlights concerns raised by the Election Committee chairman regarding serious suspicions and substantial funds invested in encouraging and transporting voters, suggesting a significant deviation from election financing rules. The use of devices to identify voters, despite prohibitions, is also cited as a violation of equality principles that could warrant invalidating the vote in the Arab sector.

While the Deputy President of the Supreme Court stated that the findings do not warrant invalidating the entire election, an appeal is reportedly being filed with the Jerusalem District Court to consider evidence for invalidating votes in the Arab sector and holding supervised repeat elections. The author references a 2013 Supreme Court ruling concerning municipal elections in Beit Shemesh, which established that a high probability of election manipulation, applying the "tip of the iceberg" principle, can be grounds for protecting voter intent.

Finally, the author interprets Mansour Abbas's remarks as inadvertently revealing his displeasure that Prime Minister Netanyahu exposed his true intentions, implying a shared awareness between Netanyahu and Yahya Sinwar regarding these intentions.