Election Commentary

The opposition leader seems to be headed toward one of his greatest victories. But for Netanyahu, winning is just the beginning.

While the politicians stoke the "Bibi" or "Just Not Bibi" flames and debate the finer points of criminal offenses such as breach of trust, the Israeli public is trying to get by without having to sell an arm and a leg. 

The State Party leader fears Netanyahu and Lapid could try to dissolve the Knesset. But if the incumbent prime minister gets the first shot at forming a coalition, Gantz believes this would ultimately result in him landing the top job.

Even after three and a half years of crisis and five election rounds, let us remember that politics is a means to an end, not an end unto itself.

The buzz surrounding former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot's decision to enter the political fray and the intense wagering surrounding the question of his choice of political party now appear to have been completely unfounded. On the eve of the elections, it is probably safe to say that the strong comradeship of ex-IDF generals leading him to a political bond with Benny Gantz has not delivered the goods.

Although the government systems are completely different, both are paralyzed by a great crisis.

Regardless of which bloc assumes power in the upcoming election, the future leadership will need to focus on the completion of military preparedness against the Iranian threat, the possibility of limiting aerial freedom in Syria and the rebuilding of public trust in the IDF.

Bragging about a successful economic year, despite the rising inflation and the public struggling to make ends meet, is just one example of this year's bizarre pre-election party broadcasts.

Hope sparked among many who saw the photograph of the leaders embrace during Operation Breaking Dawn for a merger between their factions, which could end political instability in Israel.