Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government finds itself in a political arena that is being watched across the world by both friend and foe.
His foes would probably like to see a Netanyahu-led coalition fall after his decision to replace veteran soldier and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon with Avigdor Lieberman, the foreign minister with little military background. By now we know that Ya’alon resigned from the government on May 20.
Since the resignation, political forecasters both in Israel and the U.S. are already predicting Ya’alon’s return to the government, forming his own coalition with an eye for Netanyahu’s job.
While the discussions and debates inside and outside of Israel’s government have no shortage of “experts,” especially in the media, we would encourage all who love and care about Israel’s future to let the political issues play out. We can hope that a centrist-right government will still lead Israel, but we have to let the Israelis make that decision.
Whether or not we agree or disagree with Ya’alon’s resignation or Lieberman’s appointment, what matters is that we stand behind Israel completely. “Completely” means getting out of Israel’s way so that its system of government and its citizens can take care of the nation.
Israel’s government is no stranger to change or controversy. When so many nations, political leaders and people want to see the Jewish state fail or even disappear, the government of Israel will continue to thrive. It certainly doesn’t need the careless talk on social networks or even in the traditional media to influence a decision. Israel will do what it needs to do, whether that means supporting a new coalition or perhaps calling for new elections.
To show support for Israel, give it space to be, well…Israel.
Israel faces tough political debates and decisions in the coming months. More than ever, no matter who is sitting in the 120 Knesset seats, we need to respect the decisions of leadership made by Israeli citizens and their leadership. That is, until we too make aliyah.
