Israeli Elections: Crucial Vote, But Not the Most Decisive in History

Israel is heading to its 26th parliamentary elections in the country's 78-year history, with six of these occurring since 2019, averaging one election every 1.5 years. The current government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, managed to complete a four-year term, reportedly due to significant financial incentives for coalition partners and a shared fear of electoral defeat. While many consider the upcoming elections to be the most critical ever, the author argues that the most decisive elections were held four years ago, shaping Israel negatively for years to come. The current government is described as the worst in Israel's history, responsible for immense economic costs, widespread mourning, and an assault on democracy.

The article highlights the current government's dysfunction, noting that key economic and social ministries, including Health, Interior, and Labor, are without ministers. The Prime Minister's office has been without a director-general or acting director-general for over 18 months, and the Minister of Transportation is accused of causing only damage. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Finance Committee is identified as Hanoch Milvitzky, who is suspected of rape.

Despite the dire situation, the author expresses optimism that almost any outcome from the upcoming elections will lead to an improvement. Even a victory for the "change bloc" led by Izencot, a unity government, or Netanyahu continuing with different coalition partners would be an improvement over the current state. The incoming Knesset is expected to feature more competent individuals, including senior officials, activists, and people with personal experience of loss from the recent war, potentially bringing back an ethos of bereaved leaders seen in earlier Israeli governments. The author suggests that even the next Prime Minister might be a bereaved father, which could positively impact national cohesion and the tone of parliamentary discourse. However, a scenario where the election results mirror those of November 2022, as suggested by one poll, would be catastrophic, with only divine intervention capable of saving Israel.