As predicted the Israel election gave neither Bibi Netanyahu nor his opponents a clear path to forming a government. Does this mean that the electoral system itself is flawed and should be scrapped? No. Not necessarily, at least. While there are always possible reforms that might be made, the system in use excels at giving each of the diverse groups in Israel -- secular, religious, ultra-orthodox (haredi), Ashkenazi, MIzrachi, Arab, left (dovish), right (hawkish) -- a proportionate voice. In a deeply-divided society this is the only way to go.
The anti-Bibi camp faces two conflicting pressures. The more likely a fifth election, the more likely it should double down on principles to preserve base supporters. But there is another counter pressure. After four elections, there is no reason to believe this so-called camp can expand the number of knesset seats it can win or continue to convince voters a vote for these parties has efficacy. That pressure should convince these party leaders who embrace such disparate principles to find a formula that allows all of them to support a government determined to help the country recover from the virus, pass a budget, and meet some of the pressing needs in marginal communities. The people who created two talmuds ought to be able to find the words for a coalition agreement that does what most of these parties claim they want to do and without Bibi as prime minister.
The anti-Bibi camp faces two conflicting pressures. The more likely a fifth election, the more likely it should double down on principles to preserve base supporters. But there is another counter pressure. After four elections, there is no reason to believe this so-called camp can expand the number of knesset seats it can win or continue to convince voters a vote for these parties has efficacy. That pressure should convince these party leaders who embrace such disparate principles to find a formula that allows all of them to support a government determined to help the country recover from the virus, pass a budget, and meet some of the pressing needs in marginal communities. The people who created two talmuds ought to be able to find the words for a coalition agreement that does what most of these parties claim they want to do and without Bibi as prime minister.