I love a good election! But 3 times within the span of a year might be a bit much. Nevertheless, it has been very interesting to talk to Israelis about their thoughts on this problem. The results of the previous two elections show that Israelis are quite divided on what they want for the future of their country. Essentially, you have a strong right, a strong center, and a weak left. It also seems that in Israel, the right and the left are on two very different issues.
For the right, they see the main threat to the State of Israel as Iran.
For the left, they see the main threat to the State of Israel as the on-going and seemingly never-ending conflict with the Palestinians.
The centrists in Israel tend to be more right-leaning towards security and left-leaning on human rights and social services. At least that is what they have been telling me. That is also what Benny Gantz, the #1 pick for Kachol Lavan (Blue and White party), has said many times.
There are plenty of other concerns that Israeli voters have in mind as they go to the ballot boxes. Cost of living in Israel is increasing. There is an intense debate on whether or not very religious Jews can avoid going to the Army if they remain in a yeshiva to study Torah. And so much more that you likely would not hear much about outside of Israel.
There is also much concern about the Israeli political system itself. Despite Netanyahu’s corruption charges, many Israelis are still keen on voting for his party, Likud. To an outsider, this may seem confusing and cause some frustration. But looking in from the inside, there are reasons why some Israelis still vote Likud and those reasons are not irrational.
Netanyahu has two major political elements that he can take credit for (or at least have that credit be accepted by voters). Under the Netanyahu Prime Ministership, Israel has a strong security apparatus and improved relations with foreign nations. Being able to own having a secure country is certainly a great chip to have, especially in the Middle East. He has spent a lot of time traveling to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Gulf states where relations have improved in recent years. And having some countries relocate (and declare to relocate) their embassies to West Jerusalem is big plus to his political ambitions.
As upsetting as it may seem, it makes sense that some Israelis will overlook his corruption charges and infidelities. One Israeli told me, “I don’t care what he does in his personal life, I only care that he keeps us safe.”
I cannot emphasize how important the feeling of safety is for Israelis and for being in the Middle East. Whether or not his decisions will keep Israelis safe in the long run is an intense and divisive debate but only the future has the answer to that debate.
But however you feel about the right or the center, it is important to understand that Israel has a multi-party system so to judge all Israelis because of whatever the election results will be is simply unfair.
I also want to share a big difference between the Israeli election and the American election. In Israel, most businesses are closed and public transportation is free. Many Israelis enjoy the day off. They get to sleep in. Many will vote in the morning and then take a day trip or go on a hike.
In the US, well vote if you can. Maybe get up early or go during your lunch break.
Having the day off seems to help with turnout (as common sense would suggest) so even with two frustrating elections, Israelis are still showing up to the polls.
I also think this election frustration shows how fragile democratic institutions can be. There is much to be frustrated about but whatever the results of any election, in the U.S. and Israel, let us hope that those governments serve the will of the people. I think about the issues in the U.S. and Israel a lot and the radical politics and gridlock are frustrating. But, I still have hope that moral and democratic values will prevail in the long run.
As I conclude this, I have no clue who will be the Prime Minister of Israel or the Democratic nominee in the United States, but what I do know is that so long as we protect democratic values, they will hold. And if you can, get out and vote!
Happy Election Day.
