The race for electoral victory is entering its final sprint. Parties are vying for the votes of undecided voters, and the numerous polls leave us perplexed.
Any prediction remains risky. Nothing is decided yet, and it is imperative to vote! It is a privilege, but also a duty, because on that day the voter is king. They are master of the situation and the destiny of their country.
Israel is the only democratic state on the planet whose existence is threatened by numerous countries and terrorist organizations that wish to see it disappear and wipe it off the map forever.
The election results will also have repercussions for Jewish communities which have been suffering for more than three years from waves of anti-Semitism and an unprecedented witch hunt, particularly in France.
Despite the fact that economic and social affairs are of deep concern to us, security issues and threats near and far dominate and are omnipresent.
Israelis are a highly politicized society; yet these elections have led to a personalization of political parties. It is regrettable that this election campaign, like those before it, has erased ideologies, genuine parties, electoral platforms, large rallies, and activism. With the trivialization of democracy, the people have become mere passive spectators in front of their television screens. Passion has triumphed over reason. Everything has become a spectacle, with its empty messages, fleeting polls, and meaningless, populist, and unrealistic promises.
Unfortunately, we no longer distinguish between the important and the insignificant, the essential and the futile, the false and the true, and the messages disseminated are generally secondary and mediocre.
Israelis are going to the polls in a tense and uncertain atmosphere, following a very turbulent campaign. They want to change the government and the electoral system, but they don't know how. There is, as elsewhere in the world, a leadership vacuum in all areas.
For the past decade, we have lived in an era where political lies are easily accepted. One can lie and cheat without shame. One can change one's mind and turn one's coat, be indicted and calmly carry on. The practice of falsehood and shirking responsibility is odious and shameful. It demonstrates cowardice, laziness, and a lack of courage.
Israel's malaise undoubtedly lies in the proliferation of small parties and the presence of demagogues and populists. It is therefore imperative and urgent to radically reform the current electoral system. A prime minister elected by universal suffrage must no longer be dependent on capricious and extremist factions to make bold decisions and launch reforms.
We must also stop deluding ourselves and continuing to mislead the people by promising immediate reforms in housing, healthcare, or education. A new policy is undoubtedly necessary, but changes will not appear quickly. We are a young nation that has already achieved many remarkable things, and we must be determined, yet patient.
Similarly, anyone who thinks that peace could be at our doorstep overnight and that a beautiful and prosperous new Middle East will soon emerge is spreading misinformation and deceiving. Since October 7, 2023, the end of hostilities with our neighbors is not on the horizon, and lasting peace with all Palestinians is not achievable in the near future. Let's be realistic, but also pragmatic.
In this context, only a patriotic, strong and stable Israeli government will be able to meet all the challenges in all areas and bring the State of Israel out of its isolation in the international arena.
Unfortunately, Israeli society remains divided, and the number of undecided voters and, above all, absentees is growing. Without reform, it is clear that the political landscape cannot be altered.
In this context, on October 28, 2026, the day after the elections, the leader of the largest party will have to perform all possible acrobatics to obtain a stable coalition of at least 61 MPs.
After more than 17 years in power, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 77, has launched this election campaign using every means at his disposal, including sowing fears about the future and resorting to underhanded tactics to ensure his political survival. This campaign is undoubtedly the toughest and could end his political career. The failures of his government over the past four years are glaring, despite all the military successes. President Trump's support for Netanyahu is not surprising. It will not have a significant influence on the election results, but this intervention is grotesque and unacceptable in our domestic affairs.
Finally, let us hope that these elections will proceed smoothly and without major incident. May Israelis go to the polls in a calm and dignified manner, and may the best political party leader win so that a stable coalition can be formed and a better future secured for us.
