Bibi Netanyahu
Photo: Ofer Amram
Last call for unity government
Bibi Netanyahu must join coalition in face of growing existential threat
It is possible, and perhaps even proper, to debate over the extent of existential danger faced by the State of Israel on the 60th year of its existence, but it appears that there is no arguing that the situation is difficult when it comes to security as well as domestic and international politics.
It has been a long time since Israel’s political leaders have boasted that “our situation has never been better.”
There would be some observers who say that the State of Israel, for the first time since 1948 perhaps, is facing existential danger, even though this matter does not occupy us day and night. Iran and its nuclear bomb, the burning Palestinian Authority, the Arabs living in the territories we control, and Israel’s Arabs – all of them constitute a “ticking bomb” that is approaching the moment of truth.
Under such circumstances, the most appropriate thing to do is to establish a national unity government. If we use a phrase from the past, we can say that this is the “call of the hour” and that we will pay a price if we fail to see what’s coming lying ahead in this stormy and bloody region.
Our current leadership stock includes three figures: Ehud Olmert, Ehud Barak, and Benjamin Netanyahu. The first two are already in the government, so all that is left is Netanyahu and others such as the heads of Meretz, Yisrael Beiteinu, etc.
Do it already
In every respect, Netanyahu’s presence in the government is highly essential for the atmosphere in the country, just like the presence of other leaders. If he joins the government at this time of emergency it would make a much larger contribution than what it may seem at this time.
So what’s the problem? Olmert, Barak, and Netanyahu belong to the generation of leaders who, when they come up with any idea, ask themselves: How will it help me?
Olmert believes that he will defeat Barak and Netanyahu in the next general elections. Barak tells himself that if he becomes a partner who is too close to Olmert, he will find it difficult to compete against him in the next election. And what about Netanyahu? He is convinced that there’s no reason to waste his time: He will be the next prime minister of Israel.
Under such circumstances, everything will apparently remain the same. So just like they do at the airports, we should announce: This is the last call for the establishment of a national unity government. Do it already.
