With so much American news focused on the new coronavirus and the Democratic presidential primaries, far less attention has attended Israel’s March 2 elections than the contests merit. Here’s hoping Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu somehow wins reelection for one, and only one, final term.
Israel always is far more important than its size, both for cultural and religious reasons, and because it is a bulwark of liberty and a source of vital intelligence in a region dangerously hostile, historically, to the West. Israel’s internal politics may be particularly important now, because a growing de facto alliance between Israel and moderate Arab or Muslim states increasingly is boxing in Iran’s mullahs and providing the greatest chance in more than a century for regional peace and stability.
If Israel can stay its course for a few more years, the emerging-but-tenuous peace and stability could solidify. A change in Israel’s leadership, contrarily, could make those possibilities frustratingly evanescent.
That’s why Americans should hope for a clear victory by Netanyahu, rather than a third consecutive parliamentary stalemate. Netanyahu’s adept stewardship of an entrepreneurial economy has given his nation internal strength just as his canny diplomacy, tough-minded but flexible, has made Israel a more trusted semi-ally to many of its Arab neighbors, rather than a pariah.
Even with some character flaws, Netanyahu has proved to be one of the most remarkably talented statesmen in modern world history. His leadership has taken a nation of fewer than 9 million people and with an area smaller than New Hampshire, a nation that for 60 years had reason to fear every day for its very existence, and made it a virtual diplomatic colossus.
None of this is to render judgment on his guilt or innocence under Israeli law for the bribery-related charges for which he faces trial on March 17. I am no expert on Israeli law. The charges, though, should worry every lover of freedom, because they effectively would criminalize a free press, as Netanyahu essentially is accused of using his influence with friendly media to help businessmen who gave him expensive cigars and champagne. That’s it: The prime minister is not accused of misusing major instruments of the government or of changing policy, but merely of seeking to leverage favorable press coverage. The allegations amount, as the saying goes, to small potatoes. They make Netanyahu look embarrassingly self-indulgent, not seriously corrupt.
If Netanyahu were not facing trial, he almost assuredly would win reelection rather handily. Even if he faces trial, the preliminaries could take a year or two, leaving him perfectly able to conduct the affairs of state. Because it does seem as if so many of his international initiatives are on the verge of bearing good fruit, not just for Israel but for the broader interests of peace, it would be both a risk and a shame if Israel’s voters take his hands off the plow.
Netanyahu is now 70 years old. If he pledged that this would be his final five-year term and that he would provide more opportunities for several possible successors to emerge with his encouragement, perhaps it would overcome the “Bibi fatigue” some Israeli voters seem to be feeling. They might be willing to support him “finishing the job,” but not to face the prospect of Netanyahu trying to cling to power as long into the future as his heart beats and lungs breathe air.
Regardless of whether people do or don’t like this polarizing figure, everyone should respect his accomplishments. Moreover, everyone of goodwill should want one more term for Netanyahu to spread what for Israel is a remarkable peace.
