A third election seems increasingly likely – an abominable and possibly disastrous reflection on Israel's political leaders.
If ideological differences were the reason for this, it would be partially understandable. But the country is more united on foreign and defense policy than at any time since the Oslo Accords. Aside from a reaction against haredi coercion, there has been no meaningful debate on any issue during the past two election campaigns.
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Most Israelis wish ultimately to separate themselves from the Palestinians but oppose the founding of a state that would become a launching pad for Palestinian terrorism and Iranian aggression. There is also a broad consensus that the major settlement blocs and the Jordan Valley should be annexed to the Jewish state.
Despite minor differences, Likud, Blue and White, and Yisrael Beytenu share these objectives and, with the exception of the extreme Left, the smaller parties also support a unity government.
Ongoing governmental paralysis is only due to the burning personal ambition of the leaders of the two large parties to head the government and their inability to reach a compromise. History will judge our leaders adversely for behaving so irresponsibly at this critical time.
Politicians and defense experts alike say we face serious threats of military confrontation on two fronts.
The Trump administration's first term is drawing to a close and in a little over a year the White House, now in the hands of the most pro-Israel US administration, could see the most hostile US administration we have ever encountered – one that would make even the hostility from Europe pale by comparison.
Although Trump abandoning the Kurds caused considerable concern, he remains publicly committed to Israel. His evangelical base would terminate their support of him if he acted otherwise.
Due to the current impasse in Israel, Trump has suspended the release of his peace plan. Although most analysts predict it will contain some recommendations that will displease Israel, overall it is likely to be a positive step forward and will take account of Israel's security requirements. It may even endorse Israeli annexation of the major settlement blocs and the Jordan Valley. A more opportune time for Israel to pursue a sustainable regional settlement seems unlikely. But alas, this opportunity will be lost if our leaders cannot get their act together.
Under normal circumstances, many Israelis, including those who dislike him personally, would prefer that the politically experienced Benjamin Netanyahu, over the neophyte Benjamin Gantz, lead the nation over the next 12 months. Aside from Netanyahu's friendship with the US president, he enjoys a unique relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other Asian, Latin American and African leaders. It is in Gantz's interest to work for a year with Netanyahu at the helm of a national unity government, after which he would be far more equipped to assume the premiership.
Blue and White's demand that Netanyahu abandons his right-wing bloc of 55 MKs is disingenuous. Voters for this bloc effectively also voted for Netanyahu. Likud has every right to insist on retaining the bloc; to do otherwise would be political suicide. The right-wing bloc is in this way no different from Blue and White, which comprises three distinct groups joined together for political expediency, with their sole common agenda being the ousting of Netanyahu. At least the right-wing bloc agree on their preferred candidate for prime minister. That cannot be said for the Blue and White MKs, many of whom are hardly enamored with Gantz.
Netanyahu's legal cases may drag on in the courts for a year or more. Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit should determine whether to indict the prime minister as soon as possible and this could influence the formation of the next government. But even now, weeks after the pre-indictment hearing, Mendelblit appears unlikely to decide before the time allotted for forming a new government expires.
At a time when the prime minister must make critical decisions, it will be very problematic if he is distracted by defending himself in court as well as the court of public opinion. Irrespective of whether he makes the right call, many will allege he was motivated by personal interests rather than the national interest.
In the event of another election, a government will not be formed before April, when the US will be in full election mode. Trump would likely delay the release of his peace plan with no guarantee that he would be re-elected or that he would revert to the plan after the election. We may miss a heaven-sent opportunity to annex the major settlement blocs and secure American support for our security requirements. That would be a self-inflicted disaster.
It is incumbent on both Netanyahu and Gantz to stand up and be accountable to the nation. They must act responsibly, suspend their personal ambitions and reach a compromise that will achieve a unity government able to move forward to serve the country that elected them.
