Thursday, March 28, 2024 -
Print Edition

Room at the table

Israel’s broad government opens its tent. This could be a good thing.

Count us among the many who were highly skeptical of the lasting power of Israel’s latest coalition government. While it was impressive in its expansiveness, that seemed the very reason it was doomed to fail. Far-right, far-left, Islamist, centrist, settlers — every slice of Israeli society seemed represented (with haredi parties being the notable exception). It was not only the political kaleidoscope variety of all that made it so unlikely, it was the existentially competing interests. Labor vs. capital. Islamic vs. Jewish. Settler vs. peaceniks.

But this government, led by a Prime Minister whose party is the smallest faction in Israeli history to ever have a premier, achieved two major milestones this past week that has us reconsidering.

First, a budget was passed. While in the US, a presidential democracy, the inability to pass a budget wouldn’t lead to government collapse, it would and has in recent years led to temporary government shutdowns. In Israel, a parliamentary democracy, the inability of the government to pass a budget has, in the last three years, led to multiple government collapses and multiple elections. Indeed had this budget not passed by Nov. 14, new elections are exactly what would have happened again. Passing a budget with so many competing interests is a challenge, to say the least.

Second, a delegation of largely progressive American politicians traveled to Israel, where they met with government officials, including Yair Lapid, foreign minister. This may sound like business as usual, but it wasn’t. Among its many goals, this government has made it a priority to reestablish relations with the broad spectrum that is Diaspora Jewry. According to Israel media, this was the first time in four years that J Street had meetings with government officials. J Street may represent but a small slice of pro-Israel American Jews, but it punches above its weight in the US-Israel relationship. As such, it isn’t wise for Israel to pretend it — or people who share its approach — don’t exist. Previous Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially during the later years in his tenure, chose to focus strongly on deepening relations with those in Diaspora Jewry who shared his politics. It is vitally important for Israel to maintain strong, respectful relations with all of Diaspora Jewry.

As anti-Israel activism grows, and sadly often devolves into anti-Semitism, this is a relationship that Israel cannot and should not take for granted. Israel will need to invest in sharing its message of Jewish statehood and Jewish security with Diaspora Jewry in a way that is meaningful and convincing in the face of opposition.

That’s why this J Street delegation was important. Among its participants was Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), one of the “Squad” in Congress, a group known for its rabid anti-Israel stances. Rep. Bowman, however, has maintained a small distance from the group, acknowledging the need for Israel to defend itself, and has even voted in favor of that when his fellow Squad members did not. That Rep. Bowman could travel to Israel, see the land, see the people, meet with officials and civilians, is no small thing. It’s an important opportunity for Israel to share its story and its reality with someone in power who maybe isn’t inclined toward support.

Where the current Israeli government concerns us is its apparent willingness to play along with the Biden administration’s continued dalliance with Iran and its allies, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Copyright © 2021 by the Intermountain Jewish News




Leave a Reply