Benny Gantz’s career-switch from general to political leader seemed awkward. His statements were few and usually inane. One was left with the impression that he had nothing to say or that his three sub-leaders (two other former chiefs of staff and a journalist/writer turned politician) were inhibiting him. He even had a rotation agreement with the journalist/writer Yair Lapid.

Eight months later Gantz seems to have learnt the trade. His speech last night when accepting the president’s charge to form the next government – now when Netanyahu has failed to do so – was excellent. It left many of us with the impression that here’s a man prepared to lead a united country, whereas the leaders of other parties, not least Netanyahu himself, are bent on fragmentation.

Gantz stressed his commitment to establish a liberal democratic government. No party seemed to be beyond his pale; he even reached out to Netanyahu, his principal rival. But I hope that he will stay with the real liberals.

Like so many Israelis, Gantz doesn’t seem to want yet another general election, the third within a year, not only because of the cost but because of the political instability these exercises lead to. Especially now when Trump, despite making nice to Israel, seems bent on withdrawing the United States from the Middle East, vigilant unity in Israel is more important than ever. Three former chiefs-of-staff at the helm may be very good for the country’s security.

One also gets the impression that none of the political parties are sure that they’d do better in yet another election. Having been out of the country for some ten days, I’m now catching up with the news, including the speculation that Avigdor Lieberman, who has played kingmaker around the two previous elections, may lose badly in a third round.

This may turn out to be good news, for it may persuade him to go in with Gantz, even though the government may be supported by the Arab Members of Knesset. Though Gantz’s call for unity across the divide is noble, he may find it easier to run the country without the interference of Netanyahu and his party as well as the other right-wingers and the ultra-Orthodox in the Netanyahu camp.

Republished from San Diego Jewish World

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