The question is not ‘Bibi: Yes or no?’ but the answer is, ‘Which Israel?’ - opinion
Perhaps, after nearly 80 years devoted to changing the Jewish condition, Israel has reached another stage of Zionism.
As another Israeli election looms, the pressing question is not whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will remain in power or not, but rather, what kind of country Israel should strive to become to thrive in an environment that cannot be changed entirely. This sentiment echoes a French expression by 19th-century writer Alphonse Karr: "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Historically, Israel emerged as a nation determined to change its destiny, moving away from centuries of exile and vulnerability. Yet, after nearly eight decades of independence, some aspects have evolved significantly, while others persistently remain unchanged. Israel boasts one of the most formidable militaries in the world, yet its citizens still take shelter from danger.
Diplomatically, Israel has transformed its position, yet it faces growing international isolation and antisemitism. Peace agreements with neighboring nations, notably Egypt and Jordan, stand in stark contrast to the persistent threat of destruction from regional forces.
The Abraham Accords, promising a peaceful future, remain an unfulfilled promise within a region still harboring forces committed to Israel's destruction. Iran's presence remains constant, its proxies fluctuating, and America's stance shifting with changing administrations and policies. Even global sympathy can change rapidly, and Israel's own confidence in its institutions has been shaken.
Viktor Frankl posited that when one can no longer change a situation, the challenge becomes changing oneself. The story of a mother who faced the loss of her son and eventually found peace by changing her perspective offers a poignant lesson. This story is not about surrender, but rather, an acknowledgment that one's ability to endure and live cannot solely depend on a single outcome.
With this election coming closer, Israel must confront a more profound question: What does this election truly signify? It is not just about who should govern Israel, but what kind of country Israel must become. How can Israel build a society strong enough to endure threats without being overwhelmed by them? How can Israel restore trust without reverting to blind faith in its traditional institutions? How can it remain vigilant without succumbing to permanent fear?
The lessons from Iran suggest patience and resilience. Despite sanctions, military pressure, internal instability, and international isolation, Iran persists. Israel must learn to face similar challenges, not by adopting Iran's ideology, brutality, or regime, but by cultivating these qualities of endurance and resilience. An adversary may make mistakes, but it is Israel's responsibility to remain strong enough to withstand these challenges until those mistakes are made.
In this manner, resilience becomes a strategic capability, enabling Israel to absorb challenges without being permanently altered by them.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
