It’s Time To End Negotiations and Admit: We Failed
Ma’ariv, Israel, June 3
Even tonight, in the midst of turbulent political times, tens of thousands of Israeli protesters will take to the streets across the country in order to defend our democracy. They will demand to put an end to all attempts to overhaul the country’s legal institutions. This marks the 22nd consecutive demonstration of this kind; a steady political force that the current government seemingly failed to recognize. The ongoing debate regarding the appointment of judges continues to drag on. Frequent reports from news outlets indicate that the members of the negotiating team are confronted with a dilemma. It has become clear that the situation is far from what they initially expected: instead of a mere fence, they are now faced with a concrete wall. It thus cannot be dismantled without abandoning the whole plan. Despite the underlying political tension between the two sides, incredible conversations continue to take place inside the halls of the President’s Residence. Contrary to expectations, different opinions are heard and even respected. However, those voices do not seem to reverberate beyond the walls of the negotiation room—and out there, the chaotic course of events seems to offer no resolution. Even if the two factions would be able to come to an understanding, it is unlikely that it would lead to an agreement that would benefit the current government in the long term. No, despite apparently kind and conciliatory efforts, it seems that an agreement has not been reached after days of negotiations. It may be that compromises proposed so far have not sufficiently deterred coalition members from internal conflict or provided an answer to their public. The question is how much longer will this show go on for? Voters are clearly aware that the impasse is two-way. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz recognizes the opportunity he has to demonstrate his political worthiness to his camp—particularly in the face of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid—and to advocate a staunch position against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Yet, the public proves all too forgetful and the resulting effect is fading away. “I’m not setting any deadlines, but I’m not prolonging the discussions either,” said President Isaac Herzog during his visit to Azerbaijan last week. “The people in the meeting are aware of the gravity of this moment and of these decisions which have the potential to shape our future for generations to come.” Sadly, even such enormity fails to bring about a shared perspective between those who seek a sweeping change and those who call for serious conversation over it. Today, after too much time of false hope, optimistic hesitance, and smiles on both sides of the aisle, we must acknowledge that the compromise attempted went too far. This is the moment to admit our misstep, stop being embarrassed, and begin anew without negotiations or pie-in-the-sky imaginings. We tried marching on the same path, but it’s clear today more than ever before that we are, in fact, marching on two separate ones. It’s time for all of us to sober up and come to this realization. Until then, the stalemate will persist and progress be obstructed. —Michal Kadosh (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
