Israel's new government is facing some weighty missions. The fog of uncertainty is denser than it used to be. The existential dangers are palpable. The path to success is strewn with mines.
The main reason (grounds, some might say) for the end to the time of repeated elections and an unsolvable draw is the epidemic that hit us and the rest of the world. Here is an example of uncertainty, dangers, and a mine-filled path ahead. But the coronavirus can be seen not only as a catalyst to a complex process that would have ended sooner or later but also as a symbol of the ills that have befallen us. For a long time, we expected to see Isaiah's bitter prophecy about the Kingdom of Judea come true: "Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly!"
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One of the major challenges facing the new government stems largely from the pandemic. We went into the corona crisis with good numbers. In 2019, Israel saw growth of 3.5%, the per capita GDP soared to $41,300, and in December there was only 3.6% unemployment. However, the budget deficit stood at 3.7% of the GDP. Now, a few months later, "From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil." (Isaiah 1:6)
The new global circumstances have not eliminated the main existential threats. Iran and its satellites haven't turned into peace seekers and lovers of Zion. The desire to eradicate Israel using weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, bloodshed, incitement, attrition, and scheming have not vanished. Sworn enemies in the Muslim world, along with "friends" at home and abroad, are casting doubt of the justice of the Zionist enterprise.
But we are also seeing the start of an awakening in enemy states and the beginning of important cooperation, which is mostly unseen, with entities that were previously calling for our destruction. Israel is notable for baseless hatred among some parts of its population, whose shared lives actually reflect the development of an impressive human tapestry. It's no coincidence that the coalition agreement cites national reconciliation as a top priority. It won't be easy, but "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land." (Isaiah 1:19)
The battle to stop corruption and fix the law enforcement system will be a central goal for the new government. Again, the prophet's words are fitting. First: "How the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice! Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers," (1:21) and then, "Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city." (1:26)
Will the government that had such a hard time being formed be able to contend with the challenges at its door? There is only one solution. The arrangements for equality between the political camps must lead to an equal sharing of the burden, and not mutual paralysis. If the partners act responsibly, their sins "shall be as white as snow." (1:18)
