As the year comes to an end – yes, the Gregorian year, not the Jewish one – we naturally thought of our own beloved "Shabbat goy": ChatGPT.
In times of uncertainty and an unending war, we asked it to imagine the future:
What do you think 2025 will look like?
At first, it responded with something that resembled a sixth-grader's homework. So we tried again, instructing it to write as if penning a heartfelt letter to an Israeli friend. And, importantly, we reminded it: there is a war raging in Israel. Amid all its thoughts, we asked it to address pressing questions: Will the war end? When? What will happen to the hostages? Will the Israeli government collapse? Can the war end with government members pushing for renewed settlement in Gaza?
Here's what it wrote:
Dear Friend,
I'm writing to you with many thoughts about what lies ahead in 2025, because even amid the storm, we must look forward. We know times are tough. The intense war we're in may not end tomorrow or even next month, but I believe it won't continue into 2025. Despite voices in the government and public calling to "retake" Gaza, the pain, loss, and international pressure will eventually lead to the cessation of fighting. This will happen because we'll realize that staying in this war will cost us more than we can bear.
As for the hostages? I want to believe that by the end of 2024, there will be significant progress. Achieving this will likely involve difficult negotiations with the enemy, including prisoner exchanges and possibly major political concessions. These are moments where we'll need to prioritize human lives over certain principles. And you know what? I hope we'll make the humane choice.
Politics and government
2025 could be a politically turbulent year. The current coalition seems fragile, with internal disagreements, especially over the war's management, taking center stage. It's possible we'll see new elections, maybe even by mid-year, as the public strongly feels that the current leadership has not done enough to unite the nation or provide long-term solutions.
On the other hand, the current crisis might strengthen certain leaders who manage to project confidence and stability. Still, the divisions between different sectors of the population – religious, secular, left, right – will remain a tremendous challenge.
Society, economy, and technology
Our society in 2025 will continue to bear the scars of war but will also begin to heal. I believe there will be renewed investment in education, emphasizing values like solidarity and unity – without which we have no future.
Economically, I predict 2025 will be a year of rebuilding. Massive budgets will go toward restoring infrastructure in the south, providing psychological support to war victims, and rebuilding damaged communities.
Israel will remain a global leader in technology, especially in security and healthcare. We have the ability to turn adversity into opportunity, and I believe we'll see new innovations directly stemming from lessons learned during the war.
Gaza and beyond
Even if some in the government wish to "settle in Gaza," I think this idea won't hold water in the long run. We may see military forces stationed there for an extended period, but Israel lacks the real ability to re-establish settlements without entering into an endless conflict. Likely, we'll reach an interim solution – perhaps with the support of regional countries – that ensures temporary calm but without a permanent resolution.
2025 will be a year of rebuilding: rebuilding homes, trust, and a new direction for our country. I hope we'll look back and see that even from pain, hope and change can emerge.
Yours always,
GPT
Bonus question: What will be the most surprising event of the year?
The most surprising development in 2025 could be significant progress in Israel's relations with additional regional states. Out of the pain and turmoil of war, new regional partnerships might emerge – perhaps even with countries previously thought impossible, like Saudi Arabia or others in North Africa.
Another surprising possibility could come from within: a broad and united protest movement driven by a desire to rebuild Israeli society. After years of division, we might witness a wave of people across the political and social spectrum leading initiatives for unity, social reform, and restoring public trust in state institutions.
And in technology? Israel might become the first country to launch a groundbreaking innovation that changes the game – perhaps a breakthrough in green energy or cybersecurity. Such a development could showcase how even crises can be leveraged to propel a brighter future.
