Israeli Elections Musings #11, War Musings #83: What Now After BenGvir's Groveling to Bibi?

As you know, I'm terribly undecided about which party to vote for in next week's Israeli Elections. After a couple of years of war, which is only on an elections vacation break*, as far as I can see, the risk of making the wrong choice is greater than ever. And please don't forget that I made aliyah in 1970, so this is far from being my first time voting in Israel. 

After lots of thought, and experience in sorting through Israeli truth, history and legends, I had finally admitted that not a single political party fulfills my minimal requirements, which are demanding a complete, absolute total victory, meaning defeating our enemies so they surrender and cannot have been part of Israel's military and government establishment during the decade leading to October 7, 2023.  I came up with a desperate and disparate "short list" of two political parties I had been debating between. Neither had ever gotten my vote or support before. Start the drum roll... they are Avigdor Liberman's, Yisrael Beitenu, Israel's Our Home, and Itamar BenGvir's, Otzma Yehudit, Jewish Strength. 

Then Liberman came out with a doozy... saying he'd give Jordan responsibility for Arabs in Judea & Samaria aka PA... It's easy to guess that I quickly eliminated him from my short list. Not that the Jordanians could control them at all or would dare want to try. 

So I was left with BenGvir... that is until he began groveling to Bibi when various sources said that weak woke Netanyahu had promised various foreign leaders that BenGvir would be personal non grata in his new coalition. 

Once I realized that the choice was between someone so weak that he was terrified of losing Bibi's favor, Itamar BenGvir, versus someone whom Bibi fears,  Avigdor Liberman who broke with him in 2018, destroying a large, stable coalition. 

Obviously, there are still six days to go before elections, and I have absolutely now idea of what surprises await us. I can only take into account what I know now. Most probably, more to come. It's never dull in Israel, and the political situation is volatile. 

In case you're wondering why I'm not seriously thinking about any of the newer political parties, I think that we don't have time for people to learn their way around the power bureaucracy. 

What do you think? I'm interested in your opinions; don't be shy. That's why there are comments allowed here.

*It's clear to me that we're still at war, even though the government keeps pretending that we're back to peace mode, as if we've had true peace the past decade plus under Binyamin Bibi Netanyahu's rule. Every year or two, our enemies have attacked, and not just a border skirmish, not just the terrorism that most of the country tries to pretend is in "isolated" areas. Tel Aviv suburbs, close to the airport have been bombed on a regular basis, and the enemies who do it don't warn our innocent civilians like Bibi loves to brag about. Sometimes they target the south and sometimes the north. Bibi bombs a bit in response until they stop, and then he claims that "they won't try that again; we stopped them." The October 7th war has "ended" in the same sort of way. I hope you're prepared for the next round of attacks, because they will come. And I'm not even starting about Bibi's pathetic dependence on US President Donald Trump's approval. 

Israeli Elections Musings #9 The Undecideds' 5th and Final Pre-Elections Discussion

 

Last night night the Undecided Panel, a group of Anglo Israelis holding a variety of political opinions, had its fifth and final pre-elections discussion. Some of us have a feeling that we'll only decide at the last possible second when unenthusiastically choosing one of those pieces of paper indicating which political party is getting our vote. One thing we all agree on is that we will vote and pray, in one way or another, that our vote won't be wasted. 

Jonathan Feldstein, of the Genesis 123 Foundation, has done an amazing job organizing/producing these panel discussions. We are all from different backgrounds and political opinions, besides being native English speakers. And we're also different ages; I'm the old lady and have memories of events the others have only heard or learned about. But I find our discussions wonderful and tolerant. 

Instead of having you read what I think, I suggest that you listen to the discussion. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments. I'll get your specific question to the other participants if necessary. I'd really love to hear your opinions and reactions. Many of my friends also consider themselves undecideds... What about you?

Gaza War Musings #80 Bibi's UN Speech 2026, Listen Carefully

 

A version of this was first posted on my Facebook page immediately after listening to Prime Minister Binyamin Bibi Netanyahu's 2026 United Nations General Assembly speech. As you may know, I'm not a fan of his and don't want him to continue as Prime Minister or in any position in Israel. You can read my earlier posts, especially those of the War Musings series. And, in case you're curious, I'm an UNDECIDED. I still don't know which party to vote for in the upcoming Israeli Elections. 

I'm curious about what you think of my post and Bibi's speech. One of my complaints has been mentioned numerous times, since Bibi brags about what I consider one of his worst policies. Please think about it and let me know what you think of the issues I've brought up. And, yes, please feel invited to share this and other posts. And if you notice any typos that I missed, don't be shy, let me know, thanks.

I just listened to Bibi's UN speech...eh...

As usual he bragged about that dangerous weak woke policy of protecting what he calls innocent Gazan civilians. Terrorists are civilians. Barely 24 hours before his speech, I heard Avinatan Or speak about his capture three years ago on October 7th 2023 by GAZAN CIVILIANS. Yes, the same people Bibi proudly protects. Think about it.

Also Bibi incorrectly stated that Arab terrorists only attack "settlers." That's a lie. Arab terrorism is all over the country. And I don't trust that Bibi is capable of victory. He had been prime minister for a decade plus before October 7th 2023 and throughout the war. If his policy was really VICTORY, we'd have seen it by November 1, 2023. Actually, he would have defeated the terrorists years before. The October 7th attack wasn't a new war; it was another -much bigger more violent- attack in a long, long war. This war has been going on all through Bibi's rule. Each time there's a ceasefire, or just "quiet," he claims that "we won and it's over." Obviously, it's not. I don't trust his fancy words; I look at the facts, the bottom line.

Israeli Elections Musings #8 The Undecideds' 4th Discussion, Listen

Last night we, the Undecideds, had our fourth discussion weighing the options of which party to vote for as elections get sooner. Pre 2026 Israeli Elections, the important legal steps have been done. Each party has entered its list of candidates, and pairs of parties that have made their surplus votes agreements. 

Actually in our pretalk discussions, I had mentioned that I'd like to discuss these partnership choices, and the organizer, Jonathan Feldstein of the Genesis 123 Foundation, included the issue in the topics discussed. Considering that Israeli governments are coalitions, I feel that the surplus votes agreement may be a hint as to possible a coalition agreement. Davka I wonder if there's such a clue in the agreement made between Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett. Lieberman is a very veteran experienced MK plus government minister, though in recent years he as been in the opposition. Naftali Bennett is the one who broke Netanyahu's run as repeat caretaker/interim Prime Minister, a role given to the most recent Prime Minister when a coalition seems impossible to negotiate after elections. Bennett shocked all by negotiating a coalition making him Prime Minister, even though his party only had seven 7 out of a hundred and twenty 120 seats in the Knesset. 

We still have over a month to go before that fateful day when we must vote/decide. Gd willing we'll be meeting again on zoom. I enjoy the discussions, as we don't agree on general policies and party choice. I hope you listen to our discussion on the youtube and let me know what you think. I'd really like to know your opinions. 

 If you want to listen to our earlier discussions, here they are 1, 2 and 3. Just click the number.

Israel's 2026 Elections Musings #7, My Requirements in Choosing Which Political Party to Vote For

It seems pretty crazy that I'm linking the information about Israeli political parties and candidates from Wikipedia of all places. But that's where I found the party names and candidate lists without commentary. I'm not going to write about the parties, their pros and cons, now. Honestly, I'm still UNDECIDED. 

I have certain requirements, actually very few, for choosing which political party should get my vote. I have trouble accepting that my minimum requirements are unimportant and unpopular with others. I have all of two simple demands of a new government. 

1- We must fight to win, destroy the enemy. It's called a #VICTORY, a total, absolute victory. For a victory, the enemy must SURRENDER. Their government must be jailed and executed. As part of the victory, Israel must resettle the Land and declare full Israeli Sovereignty on it all including Judea, Samaria, Jordan Valley and the Golan Heights. The only way we, or any other country, can be victorious is not to endanger our soldiers and waste weapons, bullets, missiles by following the weak woke so-called "moral" fighting.

2- All those in top positions in the government, military and secret service the decade before October 7, 2023 must resign and no longer hold or run for any office. They have failed, seriously failed. Yes, that includes Binyamin Bibi Netanyahu, who has been Prime Minister for close to nineteen years.

That's all I want. I'll have to see which political party seems closest to my "dream team." What do you think? What are your requirements?

Israeli Elections Musings #6, Likud Primaries, 2026, Why I didn't Vote

As the upcoming Israeli Elections get closer, the situation gets more confusing, especially for those watching from afar. I'm right here and not confused about how things work. I just am utterly undecided about which party to vote for. I couldn't even choose candidates in the recent Likud Primaries.

There were lots of articles about those who "won" and "lost" safe spots in the Likud Primaries last week. What I didn't see were any interviews with those of us, the 40 plus percent of Likud members who didn't vote in the primaries. I'm a very, very veteran member of Likud, as I first joined even before the Likud as we know it today even existed. In 1970 I proudly, as a good Betari, had joined Herut. Over the decades I always voted in the primaries as the party grew and expanded into Likud. Yes, even when not voting Likud in National Elections.

This year I searched through what I could find about the various candidates to see who voiced opinions, policies and plans I agree with. A couple of MKs who seemed possibilities left the party looking for greener, or should I say brighter blue and white,  pastures. I certainly couldn't find the dozen needed for my vote to count. 

What was I looking for? I just had two very necessary priorities.

1- a candidate brave enough to say that Binyamin Bibi Netanyahu is a failure. His rule has just brought us war, which started long before October 7, 2023 and we're further away from victory than ever before. Simply put: Bibi must be replaced immediately

2- we have to fight to win ניצחון מוחלט, absolute total victory causing our enemies to surrender and be destroyed

I didn't hear that from anyone at all. That's why I didn't vote in the Likud Primaries, and I'm still horrendously undecided about which party will get my vote in the national Knesset Elections.

Who agrees with me? Please share if you do... 

Israeli Elections Musings #5, The Undecideds Talk Again-- I'm More Undecided

 

Last night we Undecideds had another, our third, discussion. Most of us are still undecided, some more and some less. I'm probably the most undecided and depressed about the choices before us. Also, compared to the rest of the panel, I think I'm the most disappointed in my voting options.

No political party is offering, publicizing a platform that I'd consider the minimum of what I think is necessary for the long-term survival of the State of Israel. To make matters worse, the options in the Likud Primaries are even worse.

 

You're probably wondering what I'm looking for. Simply put:

VICTORY, TOTAL ABSOLUTE VICTORY  

Victory requires that the enemy surrenders, and the victorious country takes over and makes changes. Victory isn't just a battle and enemy withdrawal. Fighting for Victory requires "boots on the ground," which disqualifies Trump's American assistance. I'm thankful for what he has done, but it doesn't qualify the USA to take credit and make policy decisions.

War is hard, dirty, painful if you want to win, or you've been attacked. There's no clean way about it. It's not a game that can be won by high-tech remote control. And even more important to remember, deals don't bring peace. If you don't fight to win, you'll suffer even worse in defeat.

We've been suffering form what can either be called  serial wars or a never-ending war that takes breaks. But whatever you want to call it, the State of Israel is in serious danger. Soldiers and civilians are getting killed. As I've said for decades, I'm a CPA's daughter and care about the bottom line and not interested in pretty words, promises or clever "tricks."

One thing that disturbed me in our discussion is that nobody else said anything to show that they also considered Victory a priority. I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around that. Is it age or ideology? Or were they being cautious about identifying with my overall "extremism?"

Gd willing, despite my fears, we'll have new strong, brave leadership, which will help achieve a true victory... I'm praying. Elections in Israel are very complicated because of the need for a coalition. 

Please listen to our discussion, and tell me in the comments what you think and why. And of course, share this around. 

Israeli Elections Musings #4, Preparing for Third Undecided Panel Discussion-Decisions Still Unknown

Israeli Elections are getting closer, but my decision about which political party to vote for seems further away than ever. Many friends feel the same way. 

I don't want anyone involved in the October 7, 2023 fiasco in power any more, and that's not only Binyamin Netanyahu and his loyal poodles. That includes all the powerful generals who've been leading the IDF, Military Intelligence and other national security honchos for the past decade or more. They're heavily involved in the failures. I'm also suspicious of those who had gone to the USA for "training," better described as brainwashing. They drank the Koolaid claiming that tiny Israel, surrounded by real enemies, only needs a "small, smart army." I guess that's why civilians got to the Nova site and the attacked southern communities faster that the IDF.

In addition, it won't help much to fill the Knesset with people who don't know the system... grrr, yup. That's part of why I'm so UNDECIDED. No party or MK at this point has my full trust aka vote. In Israel we vote for political parties, not for individuals. And no political party ends up with a majority of the one hundred and twenty 120 Knesset seats. Various parties must form coalitions to rule in theory, but Binyamin Netanyahu discovered a way out of that, and he did it a number of times in recent decades. We went through a series of elections that didn't result in a coalition, so Bibi Netanyahu was able to continue to rule as Prime Minister with a select minority of Knesset Members. 

It only ended when Naftali Bennett made history crafting a coalition, while leading a small party of only seven members. Bennett's coalition fell after Bibi "bribed" a couple of MKs with promises of safe places in the Likud list and undeserved cabinet positions in his next government. That's why he had the Likud bylaws amended to give him a large amount of "safe seats" to choose according to his will, rather than the Likud primaries. 

The Undecided Panel will be meeting soon. You can hear our last discussion here.

Gaza War Musings #77: Victory From Bibi's Likud? Reminds Me of an Old Joke

Bibi has been Prime Minister for most of the past twenty years. We've had constant wars/battles/attacks. Victory isn't on the menu with him in charge. He's not going to change. Same bombastic speeches, but he doesn't fight to win the war.

Since Bibi has been Prime Minister, possibly even before, we've been fighting the same long, very endless war. Every year or two our Arab terrorist "neighbors" have started missile attacks. Sometimes the targets are mostly southern Israel, sometimes northern, sometimes close to our main International Ben-Gurion Airport and sometimes a combination of the above. After we "hit back a bit," Bibi state some version of:

"Now we showed them. Now we'll have quiet." 

We never hear a word of surrender from our enemies, not even a whisper of it. Things just quiet down... until the next time and the time after. It happened so many times that I'm not the only one who lost count years ago. Then on October 7, 2023, Shabbat Simchat Torah-- a Jewish Holiday, almost three years ago, our terrorist, enemy neighbors raised the level of attack tremendously murdering over a thousand innocent unsuspecting Israelis, and the IDF was caught not just flatfooted but with its pants down. Reservists and brave volunteers arrived at the attack sites more quickly than army units. 

And now, according to Israeli Law, we're supposed to have new elections. Bibi and the Likud, the coalition members and defense establishment have never taken responsibility for their massive mistakes. The Likud, still led by Netanyahu is in campaign mode, and IDF leaders of the past decade are also running for office, totally ignoring their responsibilities for our military and security disaster. Likud MKs are now traveling around the country billing themselves as LIKUD VICTORY FORUM trying to convince the Likud faithful that they'll bring "victory." 

There's an old "saying," which is has a lot of truth in it.

"What's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

If Bibi had been capable of winning, true absolute victory, he would have defeated all of our enemies early in his time as Prime Minister, and we wouldn't have been attacked on Oct 7, 2023. Voting for Likud and his "poodles" will just bring us more war. 

The Likud is going to suffer in the ballot box because of the continued war and its sell-out to the chareidim who mostly refuse to serve in the army. The two "national religious" parties, not to be confused with the National Religious Party NRP which no longer exists, have to decide between loyalty to the coalition and trying to attract those who are disgusted with Bibi's inability to fight to victory and his embarrassing Trump-worshipping. 

And if you're wondering whom I'm supporting... I'm still undecided.

By the way, the opposition doesn't even talk victory... What do you think?

Israeli Elections Musings #3 These Are The Choices & We're Still Undecided

 

For this discussion, Jonathan Feldstein asked each of us to give the ideology* of the various political parties in Israel of those which are mostly in the Knesset at present, plus a couple of realistic hopefuls. A reason for this is that many listeners to our panel don't live in Israel and have minimal knowledge, at best, about the multitude of political parties here. To be honest, many Israelis are only familiar with their favorites and at best their most hated. 

In Israel one can't be 100% sure of which parties will be competing until close to the deadline for applying. 

Here's our discussion, and yes, I call it a discussion, not a debate.  

As in the first of our discussion (here's the link,) lots of interesting points are brought up. We aren't a "bunch of friends." I doubt that one person in the group actually knows everyone else personally, and that includes Jonathan Feldstein. That makes our conversations even more interesting.

There's a transcription on the screen, so you can follow by reading, not just listening.

I'd love to hear your opinion and feelings and questions about our discussion. Thanks for taking the time.

*I must admit that I didn't quite follow his instructions, because I see the political parties as products of their leaders and history. In addition many do not have actual policies that match their names and/or stated political ideologies. I've been following Israeli politics since making aliyah in 1970. For instance despite the fact that the Likud markets themselves as Israeli Right, their actual policies aren't, and I'll never forget Bibi Netanyahu's speech at the 2008 International Jewish Blogger's Convention. I blogged about it calling the post "Impressive." He pledged to rule as a Centrist, and that's a good description of what he has been doing since returning to office of Prime Minister. For me facts on the ground, the bottom line are more important than how one markets oneself.