Israeli Snap Elections

I think the very first topic I should talk about right now is Israeli politics. I haven't blogged in quite a few months. In fact, not since back in June of this year. It is now late October. Lots has gone on in my personal life since then, so my apologies in not putting out anything new in the intervening months.

Now, on to the topic at hand: Snap elections.

It's about freaking time, in my opinion. When it is widely known that the general Israeli public is disheartened by the road Kadima has led the nation down, it would have been a tragedy if Foreign Minister Livni had been able to form a majority government. The reasons for her failure to form such a majority coalition is due to her refusal to grant the Ultra-Orthodox party Shas, its demands for increased family allowances, and a guarantee that the future of east Jerusalem would not be negotiated in peace talks with the Palestinians.

While I have often criticized Shas for its blatant corruption and greed...(and hypocrisy)allin the name of furthering Torah study...I am pleased with their stance on East Jerusalem. I have viewed the ultra left-wing, extremist views held by the leaders of Kadima (and yes, I know that Sharon was a former Likudnik!) such as Olmert and Livni, to be nothing short of traitorous to the Jewish State.

Shas's motives might not be in the right place, but the end result is still the same.

Forcing Livni to call for early elections now, is the right thing for Israel. The way the Israeli political system is set up, while it IS a democracy, is not truly a representative democracy. All too often, the average Israeli voter is disenfranchised, and the political party rules supreme. The voter votes for the party rather than for the individual...and the party decides which internal members rise to the top.

If this is the way it must be until some courageous Israeli politician pushes for a fundamental change...one that WOULD make the system more representative of the people..early elections will, at a bare minimum...bring the Likud back to power.

At a time when it seems even President Bush is willing to bargain with Bashir al Assad, utilizing the Golan Heights and the complicity of the Kadima party as his bargaining chips, (for those that don't know, the Golan Heights is strategic land that belongs to Israel, and the USA should have no right to offer it to anyone, anywhere, in any way, shape or form)...it seems to me that it is high time for an Israeli leader to come to power that has the strength to cut America's leash...say thanks for being an ally...(but really...BE an Ally! And stop telling us what to do!)...and to do what is right for Israel as a nation...and what is right for the Jews.

Just remember to tell Bibi: We the people of Israel cannot afford another set of Oslo Accords....