Yossi Mekelberg

Let’s face it, unless there are some dramatic developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a position to see out the full term of the current Knesset, which could last until the end of October 2026. The great manipulator of Israeli politics has successfully abused the power of his office to enlarge his coalition, meaning it is likely to see out its full term, although several commentators in his close circle have suggested that a general election might be held early next year.

The next election will be, without a shadow of a doubt, the most consequential in the country’s history — a last-chance saloon for Israel’s endangered democracy to end the occupation and take the path to peace with the Palestinians, as well as restore the sanity in the political and social discourse. Under Netanyahu, “the lie became the truth” and “war is peace.”

There are encouraging polls indicating that the parties that currently comprise the governing coalition will be sent to the opposition benches and that most Israeli voters are deeply dissatisfied with Netanyahu personally and his entire Cabinet. However, they are less clear about who they might want to replace him. Much of the blame for the present situation lies at the door of the opposition parties for not offering a genuine and convincing alternative in terms of leadership, courage or policies. This is particularly tragic considering how damaging, divisive and incompetent the current government has shown itself to be.

However, let us consider one of the steadily rising stars of Israeli politics: the former Israeli military deputy chief of staff retired Maj. Gen. Yair Golan. He has managed to unite........

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