Rabbi Nachman of Breslov once wrote that every person in public service is driven by a deep desire to advance – a will to lead. This drive is so powerful that sometimes elected officials put personal gain over the good of the public.
In recent days, Israeli citizens received a sobering lesson in political conduct, clearly distinguishing between those who seek personal gain and those who put temporary electoral considerations aside and opt for national responsibility. Avigdor Lieberman abandoned his post solely on the assumption that doing so would help him scrounge more right-wing votes. The same Lieberman who criticizes others for clinging to their seats is busy preparing a cushier seat for himself after the next elections. He appears to have forgotten, however, that Israelis don't like political manipulations. The terrorists in Gaza, meanwhile, certainly love the public relations victory of having ousted an incumbent defense minister.
Habayit Hayehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett and fellow party member Ayelet Shaked proved they are capable of putting the country's welfare over their own personal interests. It takes immense fortitude to climb back down from the very tall tree Bennett had scaled. They undoubtedly anticipated the barrage of derision and mockery that ensued from the Left, and the media that serves the Left. After all, the Left had pinned so many hopes on Habayit Hayehudi withdrawing from the coalition and bringing down the government.
We can expect the coalition's remaining parties to keep the Right in power. In a rapidly changing global environment, experienced and responsible leadership capable of sound, creative decisions, is especially important. The IDF must be kept above the political fray. Claims that the army's commanders are lazy, that the soldiers lack motivation and that the Military Advocate General is running things, are patently false.
The majority of the country's citizens believe the political echelon's recent decisions were extremely sound and exhibited tremendous responsibility. Let's hope this right-wing government makes it to the end of its term, and that it quickly becomes obvious whether we are headed toward war or historic developments on the diplomatic front.
