It is customary to refer to the government as one that has been "cobbled together." This process is, indeed a highly complex one in which two major issues are decided: Who will form the next government and what will be its nature.
Recent polls present Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with two options: Forming a government of change, social justice and peace with the Labor-Gesher-Meretz faction, or joining the right-wing bloc.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Changing the identity of who lives in the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem is a necessary condition for change, but it is certainly not the only condition. Netanyahu can no longer be at Israel's helm and we must make sure we change the course down which we are headed.
Outrageous practices must be replaced by responsible policy that will know how to effect change, not just manage existing reality. In order to realize this, the power of the Center-Left bloc must increase, and the number of Labor-Gesher-Meretz MKs must grow.
Israel needs to recalibrate its political compass and social conscience. I have no doubt that the Right will spare no effort to entice lawmakers to "defect" and join his government. Gesher leader Orly Levy-Abekasis and myself experienced that firsthand – we were offered the ultimate incentives – but we made it clear to everyone that will not negotiate nor team with Netanyahu under any circumstances.
Statements made even now by Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked suggesting that Blue and White lawmakers Yoaz Handel and Zvi Hauser – the party's right-wing lawmakers – may soon "defect" to the Right are a warning sign that all Center-Left supporters as a whole should heed.
The fact that the Labor, Gesher, and Meretz parties chose to join forces indicates our determination to pursue reforms. We are Blue and White's only and most loyal allies, and Benny Gantz is well aware of the fact that we are his sole partner in establishing a government that can effect change.
The only way to present a viable alternative to Netanyahu on the personal and conceptual level is for Blue and White to cease undercutting its natural partners.
