By excluding Arab citizens, Netanyahu's rivals may hand him another term - opinion
It is bad enough to discover that Jews can be every bit as racist as anyone else. But where is common sense? Where is political logic?
As Likud remains the largest party, some observers find themselves reminiscing about the aftermath of previous elections. For instance, those hoping for change may recall the tumultuous aftermath of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination in 1995, or the 1996 election when Shimon Peres was predicted to become prime minister but ultimately, Benjamin Netanyahu won. While understandable, these comparisons are misguided. This time, there is a path forward.
Unlike Rabin's assassination, which stemmed from a gunman and security failure, this situation reflects a broader trend. Issues such as October 7, rising costs, international isolation, and crippling sanctions have not dissuaded Likud supporters from backing Netanyahu. This is not a singular occurrence, but rather a pattern.
Furthermore, Netanyahu's victory in 1996 was minimal but decisive, a clear win in a two-candidate race. This time, however, the results show that Netanyahu's bloc has not achieved a victory. Instead, it presents a choice among three groups: Netanyahu's supporters, an opposing faction, and a third group seemingly detached.
Arab Israelis are treated as a separate category, isolated from the rest of society. This exclusion is troubling, especially when juxtaposed with the plight of those who have experienced racism abroad and the expectations they might have for a democratic response. It's equally unsettling to witness this racism within a so-called democratic country.
Despite warnings from leaders advocating for change, it appears they are willing to let Israel face potential disaster under Netanyahu's leadership. They can either maintain a system that excludes a significant portion of the population, enabling Netanyahu to continue dismantling societal progress, or they can recognize the equality of all citizens and take action to prevent Israel's decline.
The fate of Israel now rests in the hands of its leaders. Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman – the country's future is in your hands.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
