Israel held elections on October 27, and the result was farmisht (Yiddish for mixed up).
Let's start with the fact that Israel and the United States are at war with Iran. Our two countries are united in wanting to defeat Iran and guarantee
that the terrorist nation never has nuclear weapons or the capability to build them. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu know they must "finish the job" or else Iran's terrorist tentacles will spread, as it is already doing in France, Italy, Spain, and other European nations that put out welcome mats for Muslims.
But here is the key point: During war, you don't change leadership.
As World War II raged, and even when it looked like Nazi Germany might invade Great Britain, the British people did not abandon Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the early years of multiple American battlefield losses in the European and Japanese theaters, the American people did not abandon President Franklin Roosevelt.
The American people steadfastly stood with Roosevelt following the December 7, 1941 "day that will live in infamy" attack.
There are definitely some rotten matzoh balls floating in the soup when Arab votes increased a whopping 27 percent since the last election. It is meshuga that jointly the nation's two Muslim parties that happily seek Israel's demise could have 19 seats in the Knesset (Israel's Congress). (Why even discuss a two-state solution when the trajectory might be a Jewish state overwhelmed with pro-Sharia Muslims within one or two generations?)
In addition to not changing leaders while at war, the Israeli people should have shown respect for President Donald J. Trump. Without question, Trump is the most pro-Israel president in the Jewish State's 78-year history. Just nine days before the October 27 election, President Trump posted on Truth Social his support for Netanyahu:
Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 51 year old chant, "Death to Israel, Death to America! We will destroy the Little Satan and the Big Satan." What Country can survive when things such as this are allowed to be said, because eventually, they always end up being true? It would have been only a question of time until Iran would have put that ominous phrase into effect, but they have been systematically destroyed, both Militarily and Financially, and unless they change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job. If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself. Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times. Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today. This is the kind of Partner that the United States of America is demanding of Israel, a Country for which it has done so much. Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Thank you for your attention to this matter.
In Tel Aviv, billboards promoted the endorsement. Trump's endorsement quickly traveled throughout the small country of 10 million inhabitants and should have resulted in the prime minister receiving a "yuuuge" win.
Instead, the "Never Bibi" bloc insulted President Trump by giving our outstanding President the middle finger by refusing to support Prime Minister Netanyahu. Jews like me are angry at the "Never Bibi" coalition. In "Israel Has the Right to Disappoint Us," Vanessa Berg argues that diaspora Jews (those Jews residing outside of Israel) can disagree with the Israeli government but should not withhold their support (be it verbal or financial).
That's a nice thesis for some abstract presentation. Yes, Israel is a sovereign nation. However, it heavily depends on its close ally relationship with the United States, so that our input means something. The United States' support and sales of military weaponry have immensely helped the Jewish State survive since its rebirth in 1948.
So, here we are with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc maintaining its lead with 53 seats in the next Knesset. The opposition bloc won 48 seats. To rule, 61 seats are needed. If Netanyahu can form a coalition (a big if), he vows it will be a strong new right-wing government. In the early hours of October 28, when it became apparent that the "Never Bibi" movement had failed, Netanyahu told supporters:
We must put in place a strong government of the right. The Jewish and Zionist majority must unite. It is out of the question to have a government that is backed by Arab parties.
Lots of rhetoric from both sides, where there really are only three choices:
- Agree to another election—oy vey! Israeli law generally requires citizens to vote in person in the country. A few exceptions apply to soldiers, diplomats, and certain official emissaries overseas on Election Day. For the October 27 election, the "Never Bibi" movement was able to encourage many Israeli ex-pats to spend thousands of dollars and take off work to fly to Israel just to vote. It is doubtful that these ex-pats would do that again.
- Join Netanyahu's coalition bloc on Bibi's terms. That would mean "Never Bibi" parties breaking campaign pledges not to work with Netanyahu. (Imagine California Governor Gavin Newsom promising never to work with President Trump and then partnering with him.)
- Seek a coalition that would include the Islamist Ra'am and Joint List. That would be impossible since they openly seek Israel's destruction and don't view Hamas as a vicious terrorist organization. For instance, while waiting for results at its headquarters, Joint List sang "Biladi, Biladi," the Palestinian national anthem. (Why parties committed to Israel's destruction are allowed to participate in Israeli elections is for another conversation.)
President Trump rightfully took credit for helping Prime Minister Netanyahu win the most votes, although still short of victory. On October 28, Trump quoted Irving C. Schwartz on Truth Social:
"When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu. It all took place AFTER the Endorsement by President Trump, who only wants what is good for the Middle East, Israel, and the United States of America!"
Irving C. Schwartz
When the most pro-Israel United States president announces his endorsement for the current Israeli prime minister so that the two nations can continue their partnership to destroy terrorist groups supporting Iran's nuclear program, that should have been enough for most Israelis. Netanyahu, who wants the Jewish state to survive and thrive, should have won with a commanding victory.
While Likud Israelis are trying to keep the Jewish State Jewish, over here in America Republicans are striving to keep the United States a constitutional republic. Election Day, November 3, we will know if Americans voted for Republican common sense or Democrat communism.
It's all mishegoss! From America to Israel, election rhetoric has given me a headache! I am going to have some chicken soup.
Image created using AI.
Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She is the founder and editor of Patriot Neighbors, a free weekly national newsletter. Robin can be reached at [email protected].
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