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.