Rabbi Jonathan Lieberman urged Israelis to assess candidates’ character before the election
In Israel, voters ahead of the October 27 vote should assess not only party platforms but also the personal qualities of politicians seeking to become prime minister. Rabbi and physician Jonathan Lieberman expressed this view in an op-ed for the Jerusalem Post.
The author writes that in the coming weeks, Israel will discuss Gaza, Iran, Haredi conscription, the economy, judicial reform, Palestinians, and the consequences of the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. At the same time, he proposes paying attention to the traits of people seeking to lead the government.
Ambition and public service
According to Lieberman, research by political psychologists indicates that politicians are not always motivated solely by a desire for power. Some candidates, the author notes, are genuinely oriented toward public service and a desire to improve the lives of others.
At the same time, political leaders usually have a stronger need to influence events and considerable confidence in their own abilities. Lieberman stresses that the desire for power is not in itself a negative trait if a person believes they can change the country’s course. However, in his opinion, voters should consider whether gaining and retaining office becomes an end in itself for a politician.
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Questions for candidates
The author proposes assessing candidates’ behavior beyond campaign advertising and television appearances. In particular, he advises paying attention to how politicians react to objections, whether they admit mistakes, whether they can work with talented people without demanding personal loyalty, and whether they distinguish criticism from betrayal.
In Lieberman’s view, the future prime minister’s ability to separate the interests of the state from their own political survival is especially important. He refers to teachings from the collection Pirkei Avot, which warn against being captivated by power while also calling on people to take responsibility when necessary.
The next prime minister, the author writes, will inherit a country still experiencing the consequences of the October 7 attacks and the war between Israel and Hamas. Among the issues they will face, Lieberman names security, the economy, Haredi conscription, relations with Palestinians, other countries, and Israeli society.
