Ultra-Orthodox and Arab Alliance Proposed for Israeli Stability
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
The article criticizes outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for deepening divisions and proposes a new alliance between centrist Israelis, Arab citizens, and the ultra-Orthodox community for long-term stability. It suggests that the Haredi community should support peace initiatives and Arab inclusion to improve their societal standing. The author also calls for diplomatic efforts to end conflicts, ease IDF manpower shortages, and secure global support, including a strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia against Iran.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- An alliance between centrist Israelis, Arab citizens, and the ultra-Orthodox is proposed for national stability.
- The article criticizes Benjamin Netanyahu for deepening divisions and risking international isolation.
- Ending conflicts is suggested as the solution to the IDF's manpower shortage.
- The Haredi community is urged to support peace and Arab inclusion for better societal standing.
- Diplomatic initiatives are called for to secure global support and strengthen alliances.
- The greatest existential threat to Israel is seen as losing global support, including the U.S. alliance.
The article argues that the outgoing prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has deepened national divisions and risks isolating Israel internationally. It suggests that the true "nuclear bomb" facing Israel is not a hypothetical threat but potential international economic sanctions and the loss of automatic U.S. veto power in the UN Security Council. To counter this, the author proposes two paths: internal political reforms to prevent Netanyahu from running in future elections, and a strategic shift in Israel's regional standing from a destabilizing force to one that strengthens the U.S. alliance.
The author criticizes the idea of a unity government, calling it a "government of division," and expresses surprise at the cancellation of a meeting between Yisrael Beiteinu and the Likud party. It suggests that Gadi Eisenkot, the incoming prime minister, should have scheduled a meeting with Mansour Abbas to demonstrate seriousness, rather than just canceling a meeting with Netanyahu.
A key proposal involves forging a "new type of historic alliance" between the centrist Israeli public, Arab citizens, and the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community. This alliance, potentially initiated by Avigdor Lieberman's move towards the Haredim, could provide long-term stability. The article posits that if Lieberman engages with the Haredim, Eisenkot should reciprocate by engaging with the Arab community.
The piece suggests that the Haredi community, if they shift from supporting Netanyahu's "dictatorial laws" and "corrupt budgets" to supporting peace initiatives, Arab inclusion in government, and core curriculum studies, could significantly improve their standing in Israeli society. This shift would also differentiate them from the Kahanist ideology of figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Regarding the military, the article suggests that ending conflicts is the solution to the IDF's manpower shortage. This includes peace talks with Lebanon, supporting U.S. plans for Gaza, resolving the status quo at the Temple Mount with Jordan, and removing illegal outposts in the West Bank. The author believes Haredi support for peace would ease pressure regarding military conscription, which they view as a threat to their yeshiva studies.
Politically, the greatest existential threat to Israel is seen as losing global support, including its alliance with the U.S. The article calls for immediate policy initiatives, such as a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Eisenkot and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and between Eisenkot and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to prepare for renewed normalization talks with Saudi Arabia and a military alliance against Iran. This, the author contends, would transform Israel into a major energy hub and a bridge between India and the Mediterranean.
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