Israeli election campaigns must move past political gimmicks to tackle critical issues - editorial
With two weeks to go, let’s hear how the parties are going to deal with education, transportation, the environment, the unequal IDF draft, the worrying wave of emigration, and the West Bank.
As Israeli elections draw near on October 27, the "shtickim" and "trickim" – the cliches and tricks that define every election – must cease. The ruling coalition plastered billboards and released online clips depicting a racist campaign, featuring Gad Eisenkot alongside figures like Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi, suggesting a coalition with the Ra'am Party.
The opposition party, Shinui (Change), has fixated on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in the October 7 massacre, without outlining their own platforms or plans once in power. The only exception is B'Yachad, which has published comprehensive programs for each ministry. This lack of substance is a significant issue for such a crucial election, but more concerning is the reliance on manufactured crises and last-minute disclosures.
The possibility of renewed hostilities with Iran, which could delay the election, has been raised by former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. Additionally, Netanyahu has built his campaign on portraying himself as a strong leader who saved Israel from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Allegations of incomplete records surrounding the October 7 attack, as well as a NIS 3 million defamation lawsuit filed by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar against Netanyahu, have further fueled the controversy.
These allegations, made less than three weeks before the election, raise suspicions about their timing and impact on voter perception. With two weeks remaining, the focus should shift from sensational headlines to addressing critical issues such as education, transportation, the environment, the IDF draft, emigration, the West Bank, and settler violence.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
