Israel’s momentous election decision

When Israel conducts its early elections in March, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firing of cabinet ministers who could no longer tolerate the far-right policies of the Netanyahu government, Israelis will be making a momentous decision about the future of their country. Israelis could choose a new government led by Netanyahu that will be even further to the right of his current government, or they could choose a new moderate and liberal coalition government led by Labor Party leader Isaac Herzog and moderate leader Tzipi Livni, a former justice minister and peace negotiator.

Let’s be clear about one thing. When Secretary of State John Kerry began his herculean effort to achieve a peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on a two-state solution, he was acting in the tradition of every Democratic and Republican president since Ronald Reagan, all of whom, I would add, oppose Israeli settlements in occupied territory that they believed prevented peace and hurt the security interests of both Israel and the United States.

{mosads}When Netanyahu repeatedly attacked the plans of President Obama, Kerry and European leaders, he was acting outside the tradition of Israeli prime ministers dating back to conservative governments that reached peace with Egypt and sought to advance the peace process.

The criticisms of the Netanyahu government from Israeli liberals and centrists are harsh and sweeping; the liberals and centrists offer the prospect, if they are brought to power, of reviving the peace process and improving Israeli relations with democratic countries throughout the world by seeking a fair and just agreement with Palestinians.

I will have more to say on this subject soon. For today, let’s understand the momentous stakes of the coming Israeli election. Will Israel move even further to the right, which will worsen its relations throughout the democratic world and the Middle East, or will Israel choose a different and wiser course through a new government that includes liberals and moderates, reaches out to Palestinians and works with democratic nations everywhere?

It is a historic and momentous election. I hope Israel chooses moderation and progress and a future that is better than endless carnage, conflict and war.

Budowsky was an aide to former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas) and former Rep. Bill Alexander (D-Ark.), who was then chief deputy majority whip of the House. He holds an LL.M. degree in international financial law from the London School of Economics. Contact him at brentbbi@webtv.net.