Israel cannot afford another election: Why Netanyahu, Eisenkot must consider unity - opinion
Hopefully, October 27 will produce a clear winner. If it does not, Israel’s political leaders will have to decide whether their refusal to sit together matters more than the country.
In summer 2019, Yuli Edelstein, then speaker of the Knesset, cautioned against another election in Israel. Despite his warning, the nation elected five times in three-and-a-half years, culminating in the current government following the election at the end of 2022. The October 7 attack exposed Israel's battered state, politically divided.
The judicial overhaul, a result of the past five elections marked by political fighting and personal rivalries, eroded trust in institutions and weakened the country. As the October 27 election approaches, polls indicate a potential stalemate, with neither bloc having the necessary 61 seats to form a government. The opposition's criticism of Netanyahu is justified, but his governing with the far-right has also caused significant damage.
Three options to avoid another election include a majority win for one side, a minority government formation, or a unity government. Avoiding an election would be catastrophic for Israel, as political paralysis could lead to further destruction. A unity government, though currently unrealistic, deserves consideration over another election.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
