Photos by Amir Levy/Getty Images and Lior Mizrahi/Getty Images
Two days ago, I wrote a longer article on the Blue and White party and why they decided to vote against the government in favor of new elections. This piece is more of an update, as the vote is today, and its aftermath begins tomorrow.
The Vote
The Knesset is voting today on a bill that calls for new elections. This is a preliminary vote. A Knesset committee has to debate it and set a date for the next election. This means that there is still time to prevent new elections. It also means that we do not yet know when the election is going to happen. It can occur between 90 days and half a year after the final vote (March to June).
The Timetable
The Knesset can decide on a date more convenient for everyone or wait until the end of December. If by the end of December the 2020 budget does not pass (Blue and White are not likely to vote for it if Prime Minister Netanyahu doesn’t give them something big in return), the Knesset automatically dissolves, and a new election will be scheduled for March 23.
The Politics
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz made an aggressive speech on Tuesday but did not close the door on compromise. This will not be easy to achieve, as Gantz wants Netanyahu to fix any loophole that can let Netanyahu dismantle the government before Gantz is made prime minister in the pre-agreed-upon rotation. No one assumes that Netanyahu is ready to do such a thing. Either Netanyahu or Gantz must accept a compromise that is less than ideal, and at this point, they seem not to be in a mood for that.
Either Netanyahu or Gantz must accept a compromise that is less than ideal, and at this point, they seem not to be in a mood for that.
The Joint List
The most interesting development today is a decision made by the Islamic faction Raam not to vote for a new election. The unlikely political romance between the head of Raam, Mansour Abbas, and Netanyahu has been the talk of the town for quite some time. Abbas’ strategy, as an Arab Knesset member, is as follows: “most of the time, the Arab parties automatically are part of the Left… this approach is mistaken, and … we need to reposition ourselves toward the entire Israeli political spectrum.” Abbas’ decision has one certain outcome and one less likely outcome: The likely outcome is the end of the Arab Joint List because Abbas will run separately. The unlikely outcome is for Netanyahu to find 61 Knesset members that agree to oppose a new election. Abbas does not have enough votes to get Netanyahu there, but he does get him closer to such a goal. Netanyahu needs three to four more votes.
The Crucial Matter
Israel is about to have a fourth election in two years. This is all because of one man — Netanyahu. Love him or hate him, it is clear that had he not been there, politics would be simpler.
The future of the U.S.-Israel relationship will not be secured by winning one more primary. It will depend on whether Americans understand why Israel matters, why Jewish self-determination is legitimate, and why the alliance benefits both nations.
Everyone is entitled to choose how to live, but the state is not obliged to finance every choice. Those who do not complete secondary education, do not serve in the military, and do not work should not receive state support to maintain that way of life.
Carroll, having helped swing Maryland toward independence, was elected to Congress on July 4, and signed the Declaration in August, the only Catholic among the signers and the only one to add his estate to his name.
It is easy to be proudly Jewish when our identity is celebrated. It is harder when Jewish solidarity demands disagreeing with one’s friends or political party.
Rabbi Kushner provides a path for elevating our humanity, appreciating the wisdom of Jewish tradition and practice, and experiencing the divinity residing within all humans, even those who do not yet acknowledge God’s presence.
When Eli Beer ecently learned that Eli Cohen’s widow, Nadia, was still alive at 91, he knew he wanted her to be the guest of honor at United Hatzalah’s annual gala in Los Angeles.
The results will bring the number of Jewish governors to seven in January 2027. The incoming U.S. Senate will have 10 Jewish members, including nine Democrats and one independent.
Raman has called BDS a legitimate form of protest, while her campaign says a boycott of Israel will not be part of her agenda as mayor. I take her at her word, and I will hold her to it.
What’s most troubling is that, much like what happened in Germany on that horrible night, the participants in the bike ride were normal people, your friends and neighbors.
If Nithya Raman is serious about making Jews feel safe, it’s time for her to set an example and correct the lie of the century. Don’t just do it for the Jews. Do it for the truth.
His work was to lift-up those in need, support the downtrodden and, particularly, respond with a compassionate heart to the many Holocaust Survivors who lived in the Fairfax District.
Israel’s Political Turmoil: Still Not Too Late for Compromise
Shmuel Rosner
Two days ago, I wrote a longer article on the Blue and White party and why they decided to vote against the government in favor of new elections. This piece is more of an update, as the vote is today, and its aftermath begins tomorrow.
The Vote
The Knesset is voting today on a bill that calls for new elections. This is a preliminary vote. A Knesset committee has to debate it and set a date for the next election. This means that there is still time to prevent new elections. It also means that we do not yet know when the election is going to happen. It can occur between 90 days and half a year after the final vote (March to June).
The Timetable
The Knesset can decide on a date more convenient for everyone or wait until the end of December. If by the end of December the 2020 budget does not pass (Blue and White are not likely to vote for it if Prime Minister Netanyahu doesn’t give them something big in return), the Knesset automatically dissolves, and a new election will be scheduled for March 23.
The Politics
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz made an aggressive speech on Tuesday but did not close the door on compromise. This will not be easy to achieve, as Gantz wants Netanyahu to fix any loophole that can let Netanyahu dismantle the government before Gantz is made prime minister in the pre-agreed-upon rotation. No one assumes that Netanyahu is ready to do such a thing. Either Netanyahu or Gantz must accept a compromise that is less than ideal, and at this point, they seem not to be in a mood for that.
The Joint List
The most interesting development today is a decision made by the Islamic faction Raam not to vote for a new election. The unlikely political romance between the head of Raam, Mansour Abbas, and Netanyahu has been the talk of the town for quite some time. Abbas’ strategy, as an Arab Knesset member, is as follows: “most of the time, the Arab parties automatically are part of the Left… this approach is mistaken, and … we need to reposition ourselves toward the entire Israeli political spectrum.” Abbas’ decision has one certain outcome and one less likely outcome: The likely outcome is the end of the Arab Joint List because Abbas will run separately. The unlikely outcome is for Netanyahu to find 61 Knesset members that agree to oppose a new election. Abbas does not have enough votes to get Netanyahu there, but he does get him closer to such a goal. Netanyahu needs three to four more votes.
The Crucial Matter
Israel is about to have a fourth election in two years. This is all because of one man — Netanyahu. Love him or hate him, it is clear that had he not been there, politics would be simpler.
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
“What Did the Doctor Say?” and Other Things that Keep Us from Laughing
NCSY Welcomes 400 Proudly Jewish Student Leaders to the JSU President’s Conference
Table for Five: Toldot
Genocide and International Relations
Heading Toward Bipartisan Opposition?
A Concrete Case for Hope
AIPAC Isn’t the Problem. It’s Part of the Solution.
The future of the U.S.-Israel relationship will not be secured by winning one more primary. It will depend on whether Americans understand why Israel matters, why Jewish self-determination is legitimate, and why the alliance benefits both nations.
After the Haredi Public’s Defeat: Change Must Come from Outside
Everyone is entitled to choose how to live, but the state is not obliged to finance every choice. Those who do not complete secondary education, do not serve in the military, and do not work should not receive state support to maintain that way of life.
The Last Signer
Carroll, having helped swing Maryland toward independence, was elected to Congress on July 4, and signed the Declaration in August, the only Catholic among the signers and the only one to add his estate to his name.
The 24-Hour Window That Changed the U.S.–Israel Relationship
Trump said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to the change and argued that Israel no longer needed the funding.
Can’t Jews Take a Break From Being Liberals to Worry About Israel?
It is easy to be proudly Jewish when our identity is celebrated. It is harder when Jewish solidarity demands disagreeing with one’s friends or political party.
Torah Portion: Toldot
The parsha begins with a direct statement: “This is the story of Isaac, son of Abraham.”
With Jews of Color Initiative Grant, Shades of Belonging Expanding Programming for JoC Adoptees
The organization will be bringing together eight Jewish adoptees of color to be in community over a seven-month period.
Faith and the Power of Pretend
Rabbi Kushner provides a path for elevating our humanity, appreciating the wisdom of Jewish tradition and practice, and experiencing the divinity residing within all humans, even those who do not yet acknowledge God’s presence.
The Hero Behind the Hero: Eli Beer Wants the World to Know Nadia Cohen
When Eli Beer ecently learned that Eli Cohen’s widow, Nadia, was still alive at 91, he knew he wanted her to be the guest of honor at United Hatzalah’s annual gala in Los Angeles.
Who Are the Jewish Winners in the 2026 Elections?
The results will bring the number of Jewish governors to seven in January 2027. The incoming U.S. Senate will have 10 Jewish members, including nine Democrats and one independent.
Congratulations – and Candor – for L.A.’s Next Mayor
Raman has called BDS a legitimate form of protest, while her campaign says a boycott of Israel will not be part of her agenda as mayor. I take her at her word, and I will hold her to it.
The Background Has Been Painted: Kristallnacht, 88 Years On
What’s most troubling is that, much like what happened in Germany on that horrible night, the participants in the bike ride were normal people, your friends and neighbors.
When Touched by Evil
We might vow to distance ourselves from those who do evil, but when it involves friends and family, it can be excruciating to do so.
The F-Bomb
The term “f-bomb” has become obsolete. The one-time shocker is so common that it’s more of an f-firecracker.
The Reunion
When I reunite with my parents, I imagine it will go something like this.
Declaring Our Independence
If neither of the nation’s two dominant political parties is willing to commit to us, then we are under no obligation to commit to them.
Our New Mayor Has a Genocide Problem
If Nithya Raman is serious about making Jews feel safe, it’s time for her to set an example and correct the lie of the century. Don’t just do it for the Jews. Do it for the truth.
They Blamed the Jews for Eggs. Then They Won.
Cenk Uygur’s grocery-aisle libel cost his candidate nothing. Then Washington ended the aid, and the grievance didn’t move an inch.
Rabbi Stan Levy, 1941-2026
His work was to lift-up those in need, support the downtrodden and, particularly, respond with a compassionate heart to the many Holocaust Survivors who lived in the Fairfax District.
Broken Glass and the Banality of Blueberries
“Here There Are Blueberries” is a fascinating autopsy into the morality of indifference.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.