Jerusalem Post columnist calls for renewal of Israel’s political leadership
Israel needs a renewal of its political leadership that would combine experience in security and diplomacy with the emergence of younger politicians, Israeli columnist David M. Weinberg believes. In a column for The Jerusalem Post, he wrote that he would like to see the current generation of politicians replaced in the 2028 or 2030 elections, mentioning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid and Moshe Gafni.
The author noted that in future elections he would seek a balance between political experience and renewal, as well as between resilience and integrity. In his view, Israel has a “capable and courageous” next generation of leaders, including among participants in the country’s recent wars.
Criticism of three politicians
Weinberg sharply criticized Avigdor Lieberman, Aryeh Deri and Yair Golan, calling them examples of political cynicism and divisive rhetoric. These are the columnist’s assessments, not facts established by the editorial office.
Regarding Lieberman, the columnist mentioned his work in ministerial positions and his previous statements about Israel’s Arab citizens, Egypt and Palestinian statehood. The author also linked Lieberman’s position on drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army to the 2019 electoral crisis.
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Assessments of Deri and Golan
In Weinberg’s opinion, Aryeh Deri bears political responsibility for the system of state support for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, resistance to expanding general education programs in schools of that community, and efforts to legislatively exempt ultra-Orthodox men from military or national service. The author also wrote that Deri had repeatedly been convicted of criminal offenses and served prison sentences.
Weinberg characterized Yair Golan as a politician who, in his view, adopted more radical left-wing positions after the decline of the Meretz and Labor parties. The columnist also critically assessed the rhetoric of the Democrats party, associated with Golan, toward Israel’s right-wing, religious and ultra-Orthodox circles.
Weinberg is a managing senior fellow at the Jerusalem-based Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy. The publication notes that the views expressed in the column belong to its author.
