The coronavirus epidemic proves that society is only as strong as its weakest link, and that social justice ‎is not only a way of solving the crisis – it is itself the solution. ‎

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Globalization toppled walls and borders, and it seems as if nothing would block the movement of ‎people, goods, and money. Today, as the epidemic is closing borders and causing social distancing, the ‎realization is starting to sink in that international cooperation will help contain the virus. A doctor from ‎Tiberias reached out to a doctor in Italy to ask for the treatment protocol for serious corona cases. The ‎Italian doctor had received it from his colleagues in China. The Palestinian Health Ministry is in close ‎contact with Israel's Health Ministry to keep the epidemic, which does not recognize borders, from ‎spreading. Worldwide, differences between people are being obscured. ‎

The world has been thrust back 75 years to days like those after World War II, when people realized ‎that a free market economy was not enough to survive the social chaos. It might help a few people up ‎the ladder but would leave everyone else behind. This is how the Marshall Plan, which funneled ‎money into physical and social infrastructure rebuilding, came into being. These investments turned ‎into socio-democratic systems. It was necessary. This is also how the Israeli economy was built. ‎

Today, it's clear that the most effective weapon against the coronavirus epidemic is social solidarity. It ‎seems as if the virus feeds off weakening social ties, and it's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "fat ‎man" who is handling the epidemic – whose best vaccine is a welfare state. The "invisible hand" has ‎been caught with its pants down, and every is realizing that without government intervention, the ‎entire economy could be damaged. ‎

This crisis is an opportunity to rebuild the social systems in Israel and the rest of the world. We must ‎heed the warning lights that show us what could happen to the entire economy if its weak links ‎collapse. We need a plan that will rescue small businesses, protect salaried employees, and ensure ‎that young families can live in a time when they have no income, as well as protect the health of the ‎elderly. It also needs to ensure that in the days after the crisis, Israel will return to investing in its ‎society. ‎

Every crisis is an opportunity, and maybe as a result of coronavirus, the world can be a better place, ‎with a more just society. I have hope in my heart that maybe the need for global cooperation will ‎create a new dynamic for diplomatic processes worldwide in general and, in our region in particular, ‎will lead to a process that will result in peace between Israel and its neighbors. ‎

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Recent polls present Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with two options: Forming a government of change, social justice and peace with the Labor-Gesher-Meretz faction, or joining the right-wing bloc.

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Changing the identity of who lives in the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem is a necessary condition for change, but it is certainly not the only condition. Netanyahu can no longer be at Israel's helm and we must make sure we change the course down which we are headed.

Outrageous practices must be replaced by responsible policy that will know how to effect change, not just manage existing reality. In order to realize this, the power of the Center-Left bloc must increase, and the number of Labor-Gesher-Meretz MKs must grow.

Israel needs to recalibrate its political compass and social conscience. I have no doubt that the Right will spare no effort to entice lawmakers to "defect" and join his government. Gesher leader Orly Levy-Abekasis and myself experienced that firsthand – we were offered the ultimate incentives – but we made it clear to everyone that will not negotiate nor team with Netanyahu under any circumstances.

Statements made even now by Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked suggesting that Blue and White lawmakers Yoaz Handel and Zvi Hauser – the party's right-wing lawmakers – may soon "defect" to the Right are a warning sign that all Center-Left supporters as a whole should heed.

The fact that the Labor, Gesher, and Meretz parties chose to join forces indicates our determination to pursue reforms. We are Blue and White's only and most loyal allies, and Benny Gantz is well aware of the fact that we are his sole partner in establishing a government that can effect change.

The only way to present a viable alternative to Netanyahu on the personal and conceptual level is for Blue and White to cease undercutting its natural partners.

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