US Jews urge unity, but Israelis must live with the consequences - opinion

We are not just speaking about Ra’am, under the leadership of a moderate Mansour Abbas, who was described as reasonable and cooperative by those who worked with him.

Because other Arab parties, who succeeded in this election, are not necessarily sympathetic to the cause of the Jewish state or here to bask in the Zionist experience.

And that is the major concern for a country that is committed to Herzl’s dream – a homeland dedicated to building a safe haven for Jews. So, while our distant advisers are keen on a multi-voiced government, it’s important to know how wide the gap of ideology is between them.

The Joint List, described as an alliance of Arab-majority political factions in Israel comprising Hadash and Ta'al) is wholly dedicated to the cause of “Palestinian nationalism, civil equality, and opposition to right-wing policy.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_List

So, despite their desire to join forces with the opposition candidate, Gadi Eisenkot, they expect a lot in return for helping to build a coalition. That includes the departure of the IDF from Gaza as well as an “end to the occupation.”

Shouldn’t someone request an explanation of that “end the occupation” term before signing on the dotted line as a coalition?

While the Joint List seeks “full civil, national, and democratic equality, for Palestinian citizens of Israel,” their idea of ending the occupation might actually result in a superior status for their supporters. But who knows their intentions?

Another problematic area is their refusal to display any evidence of loyalty, by way of formal recognition that Israel is a Jewish state. For them, that seems to be a bridge too far.

In some ways, it can almost be compared to a marriage between two individuals, where one of them refuses to assure fidelity. Such a shaky bond does not provide the confidence needed to build a lasting and faithful relationship. It, instead, indicates an eventual split.

What about the denunciation of terror groups? By refusing to call Hamas and Hezbollah the enemies of Israel, or even acknowledge their evil actions and twisted ideology, what does that say about them? Is it even possible to form an alliance with people who are unable to identify this blight on humanity?

Truthfully, many of us are ready for change. Our vision for Israel is one that recognizes and cherishes all of its loyal citizens as people who are deserving of equality, opportunity, and advantage, regardless of their individual preferences, but, of course, that’s rooted in the basic understanding that they are supportive of a Jewish homeland.

We must remember the saying, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” That means that an agreement to invite Arab parties into the government would have to be very carefully examined to see if certain positions held by them would prevent our leaders from moving forward to build a shared vision that would benefit everyone.

For now, the jury is still out on that one, given the obvious impediments that remain, standing in the way of building a positive future together. This is what is not always understood by those who live abroad. They can easily miss the pitfalls that could hurt us if we become too anxious to replace what hasn’t worked well for many population sectors within Israeli society.

Consequently, the creed of the next government coalition should be patterned after the prophet Jeremiah, who wrote: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (29:11).

If each coalition felt that way about the State of Israel, building from that starting point would enable us to reach our greatest potential for Jews and Arabs alike.

While a quick fix is often very tempting, there are no shortcuts to building trust and unity among the leaders who always tell us that they are the most qualified and best-equipped to make sure that we are protected and safe.

And while it’s not realistic to believe that there will be 100% agreement at any given time, there must be a mutual commitment to at least strive toward the goal of harmony as well as a good measure of humility, things that are needed when it comes to taking on the heavy responsibility of ruling others.

Unfortunately, there are so many complexities when it comes to the politics involved in running a country that is a finely-woven tapestry of so many diverse backgrounds, expressions of faith, and all of the other components that make us different.

Yes, a unity government is probably the best recipe for meeting the needs of the majority, but that can only happen if there is a starting point of being faithful to our core principles. That starts with the uncompromising ideal that we were established as a Jewish homeland.

Others are permitted to live here as well, but they are all under the auspices of a Zionist entity that promotes the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral home. Respect for that fundamental concept must be present and active, and that would include Arab political parties who seek to join the government.

For those on the outside, until they’re ready to put some skin in the game by moving here, the business of governing should be left to those of us who call Israel our home!