Gantz: Post-Oct. 7, Israel’s future depends on a broad, moderate, Zionist government - opinion

In the somber aftermath of October 7, 2023, a stark reality became evident: the past can never be repeated, and change is imperative. Three years later, as the first elections following that fateful day approach, a consensus has remained elusive: how to proceed. Israel finds itself at a critical juncture, with major challenges looming on the horizon: a waning global reputation, a surge in antisemitism, a disconnection from Jewish communities worldwide, and most alarmingly, a severe internal rift over the core issues that define the nation.

The leaders confronting this moment must not be those who exacerbate these divisions. Israel now requires a broad, moderate Zionist government, encompassing responsible right-wing and responsible left-wing voices, robust enough to govern without succumbing to the sway of political extremists. This is not merely a matter of coalition politics; it is a strategic imperative.

The relationship between Israel and the United States is particularly sensitive. Insights from U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, a longtime friend of Israel, caution against the diminishing support for Israel in America, especially given the rhetoric and radical stances of figures within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Israel cannot allow such radical positions to impact its standing, even if they do not translate into official policies.

Moreover, Israel must maintain its alliance with American Jewry, recognizing their critical role without expecting their unconditional support for every Israeli minister or government. Criticism of a political stance is not a betrayal of the Jewish state. Israel, as the nation-state of the Jewish people, must safeguard the discourse of its shared future.

Religiously, the Western Wall should embody the unity and destiny of the Jewish people. However, excessive political division has turned the question of prayer at the Wall into another source of discord. The Western Wall remains vast and inclusive, ready to welcome all.

The repercussions of granting radicals excessive influence extend beyond Israel's borders. The Abraham Accords demonstrated the potential for a regional architecture that connects Israel, the United States, and moderate Arab and Muslim nations. Such a framework, based on security, technology, trade, and shared strategic interests, could transform Israel's standing for generations. However, this vision requires political space to be realized.

Israel's predicament is not that the majority of Israelis have become radical; rather, it is the disproportionate influence of radical minorities over national policy, despite their limited public support. Over a decade of political turmoil has revealed that this system cannot provide the necessary broad base to address Israel's fundamental challenges.

Consequently, I firmly believe Israel needs a broad Zionist government rooted in moderate forces. This government should unite political diversity under shared core principles: defending the country, maintaining its Jewish and democratic character, upholding the rule of law, opposing racism and violence, and acknowledging that decisions made in Jerusalem affect Israel's alliances and the Jewish people worldwide.

Such a broad coalition does not equate to political uniformity. Even with significant disagreements between right, center, and left, Zionism has always accommodated diversity within its core responsibilities. The leaders making decisions in Jerusalem must ensure these decisions do not echo disproportionately in Washington, synagogues, campuses, Jewish organizations, and families across the Diaspora.

The political leaders' decisions carry profound consequences, and they bear significant responsibility in shaping these echoes.

Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, now the chairman of the Blue & White Party, has emerged as a key voice advocating for this transformation.