Former Israeli Broadcasting CEO Moti Shklar Urges Broad National Unity Government to Heal Divisions

Moti Shklar, former CEO of the Israeli Broadcasting Authority and publicist, warned in an interview with Channel 7 that Israel's greatest threat comes from internal political divisions rather than external forces. Following an article he published in Yedioth Ahronoth, Shklar criticized most political parties for their contradictory rhetoric on unity and reconciliation, while deepening societal rifts through their actions. He emphasized that Israel's diverse value systems require coexistence and compromise rather than attempts to dominate opposing sides, stating, "This is not a football match with winners and losers, we must continue living together and build a shared social fabric."

Shklar also addressed the Likud party's intention to renew judicial reforms if it returns to power, arguing that even a government elected to implement policies cannot enact deep constitutional or systemic changes without broad consensus. He stressed that leadership is measured by balancing different values, not merely exercising full political power. According to Shklar, narrow coalition governments, whether right or left, exacerbate societal fractures and worsen Israel's ongoing crisis. He called for a broad national unity government that requires all partners to act responsibly and compromise, with each side relinquishing some ambitions to ensure long-term societal stability.

Further, Shklar criticized the Religious Zionist Party for failing to represent the full spectrum of the religious-national public, describing it as a missed opportunity for a unifying voice during a critical time. He revealed ongoing discussions with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot about creating a framework to better express the religious-Zionist community within the state camp.

Finally, Shklar commented on the idea of a "third bloc" in Israeli politics, composed of state-oriented figures from both sides of the political map. While there is broad agreement on fundamental issues among these individuals, personal and political disagreements have prevented their unification. Shklar called this a paradox, noting that those advocating for a broad government to prevent narrow coalitions have yet to unite themselves. He concluded that overcoming personal differences could reshape the political landscape and restore Israel to a path of broad consensus rather than forceful decisions.