There is no rage more justified that than that which is boiling the blood of the national camp at this time. Yisrael Beytenu party chief Avigdor Lieberman, in one of the most despicable acts of fraud in Israel's political history, stole an unprecedented electoral victory from an ideological camp. This goes beyond a ploy to bring down the government or political opportunism; it is the pillaging of democracy in full view of the cameras. A week has passed, and it is still difficult to digest this outrageous foolishness. Right-wing voters have grown accustomed to worrying that the centers of power in the justice system, the State Attorney's Office and the media would render their clear democratic decision useless; in practice, it was stolen from them by someone from their own base.
The Left, after stuttering a few words in embarrassment, has now come to its senses, the initial shock slowly replaced by signs of optimism; and rightfully so, from its standpoint. Lieberman is the realization of their hopes; he is the weakest link. The speed with which the man who just a few days ago was depicted as the most blatant representative of racism and fascism in Israel has become something of a cultural hero is sickening. It is almost as sickening as the racist tones found in the criticism of Kulanu party leader Moshe Kahlon, who to the Left's disappointment refused to fulfill his role as the "dutiful Mizrahi" and instead acted responsibly and went home to the Likud.
The Right cannot afford to be dragged to the depths of despair at this time. It's a shame, really, because this lemon can be turned into lemonade if the Right would just get its act together. The Right has been afforded a golden opportunity to correct the terrible mistakes that laid the framework for Lieberman's great electoral robbery.
There is no dispute as to the significance of these mistakes among members of the Right. The splits and multiplicity of parties to the Right of the Likud have been a failure. The boutique parties, which purported to offer fussy voters a political party exactly to their liking, have proved a safe way to ensure the wholesale loss of Knesset seats. Hundreds of thousands of voters have had their political voice silenced. Many right-wing voters understand this and regret the unnecessary indulgence. But judging by their recent statements, right-wing party leaders are continuing to deny their culpability. This is a grave mistake, especially when the lesson of the last election is as clear as day: There is no room for more than one party to the right of the Likud.
Right-wing voters have been traumatized by Lieberman's betrayal. Party heads must not do this to them once again. Call it a "technical bloc, "an ad hoc union," "a marriage of convenience," call it as you see fit. But unite, and run together! Every other niche, spiteful, egotistical political framework that goes beyond one united right-wing party will expose the nationalist camp to the same blow it was struck with in the last election, only this time, the blow will be fatal.
The crack in the Right's "iron wall," opened as a result of the split, has been widened thanks to Lieberman's imbecilic punch. This gap is precisely where the Left is now planning to shove its way in on Sept. 17. The coming election is an opportunity not to focus on personal image or opportunities but to rectify the situation. That is what right-wing voters long for, and it is also very likely the only way to win. Shirking this democratic obligation would be an unforgivable slap in the face to voters.
