What Israel is currently experiencing is unique in the history of the Jewish state. Israeli defense ministers have resigned from time to time, and there have been occasional violent protests on the streets.
However, a general strike paralyzes the country, a number of mayors go on hunger strike at the same time, Israel’s president calls on the government in dramatic words to give in and not only the reservists, but also more and more generals are threatening to refuse orders if the judicial reform is pushed through become – none of this has existed since the founding of the state.
The situation can at best be compared to the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War. In 1973 Israel would not have lost the war against Egypt and Syria. Israel’s defeat could only be averted with the help of an American airlift organized in dire need, whose transport planes delivered weapons, and the crisis diplomacy of the then US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
The trauma of this war not only led to the end of the long rule of the Workers’ Party and the resignation of Prime Minister Golda Meir, but also aroused a deep distrust of the state, its government and its leadership. This distrust strengthened the individual and permanently weakened the collective.
The current demonstrations and the widespread civil disobedience are fueling this old suspicion and making it seem almost impossible for the coalition to continue as it is; especially since Netanyahu’s power in his own Likud bloc is gradually beginning to crumble.
Nevertheless, one should not underestimate the head of government. Netanyahu has not only mastered the basics of selfishness, but also that of staying in power. He has always had unconditional trust in his own mind, but little in that of his companions and opponents. If he sees a way out of staying on as prime minister, he will choose it.
Perhaps there is even an opportunity to end the crisis. If the opposition takes their worrying words seriously and their own calls to keep an eye on the welfare of the state, they should approach the prime minister and offer him a coalition.
In return, Netanyahu would have to give up the problematic parts of the judicial reform. Such a grand coalition has a long tradition in Israel – especially in a situation that threatens its very existence, such as that threatened by Iran.
