The current political situation in Israel feels like "Groundhog Day" with each election round drawing surprise, then frustration, and later cynicism. But just like the character of Bill Murray broke the cycle by changing his behavior, so can we.
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We can keep voting the same way we have voted until now, but let it not surprise you if no change occurs. Alternatively, we can reevaluate our perspective and learn from previous mistakes. That, perhaps, might bring about a different reality.
Living in a country constantly at war, Israelis are used to placing security at the height of their considerations, if not the top. But in reality, there was no fundamental difference in how different politicians approached security: Avigdor Lieberman's policy did not differ much from Naftali Bennett's, and Netanyahu's from Lapid's. Each had the same considerations and each received dictates from the security system.
The economy is another worrying aspect, but no party has so far shared any exciting announcements on the matter. The magic solutions that politicians talk about to lure in potential voters have either already been tried and failed or are already being implemented. We already know that none of the party leaders will fight in the major committees and thus impact our lives.
The only essential difference between the parties is the political aspect. If the US pressures Israel, be it on evacuations or settlement building, the Left will cave in.
The Right has more leverage. As you have probably noticed, I did not use the words "principles" or "ideology." The incessant election rounds have proved that very few politicians still possess them.
Therefore, before the Nov. 1 election, we should think what officials would do under pressure. Would they cross the red line? Would Haredi lawmakers resign if an LGBTQ law is introduced? Or if a future Palestinian state is discussed?
Another particularly disturbing matter is the connection between religion and state. Former Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana's reforms were supposed to redeem each aspect: kashrut, burial, marriage and divorce, LGBTQ, and the treatment of women. Had he succeeded in implementing his brave plan, Israel would be a different place today. And the confusion is real.
Benny Gantz's State Party appeals to many right-wing voters, because it includes religious lawmakers Ze'ev Elkin and Kahana, who can also promote progressive and egalitarian projects to make Judaism more accessible. The only thing is that they have joined Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, who openly support the establishment of a Palestinian state.
I say this with sorrow: if the ideological gaps are of no concern for them, it is not ideology that leads them.
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