Fourth Quarter founder Yoav Heller says Israel needs political renewal, not more boycotts

Dr. Yoav Heller, founder of the nascent political movement "Fourth Quarter," believes Israel needs political renewal to overcome deep-seated polarization. Speaking with The Jerusalem Post, Heller outlined his party's mission to bring new leaders and innovative policy proposals to the Knesset, stemming from a four-year grassroots effort focused on dialogue across the political spectrum.

The decision to enter politics was supported by 69% of the movement's activists, Heller stated. However, he acknowledged the challenge of limited name recognition. The party is exploring various electoral strategies, including forming alliances with established politicians or other new political forces, or running independently with prominent candidates. Heller emphasized that the movement would not obstruct a broader political merger if its participation jeopardized its viability, stating, "I’m not going to be the obstacle."

Heller also firmly rejected the use of political boycotts as a basis for forming Israel's next government. While he believes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should step down, Heller stressed that the political system must respect the electorate's choice if Netanyahu is returned to office. He expressed sharp criticism of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling him a significant problem for Israeli politics, and also criticized the Democratic Party, though he opposes their exclusion from a future coalition.

His ideal government would adopt a strong stance on defense while prioritizing major domestic reforms. These include advancing judicial reform to establish a constitution within five years, combating organized crime within Arab society, creating a new framework for civic responsibility and state benefits, and significantly improving the Israeli education system. If offered a ministerial position, Heller's first choice would be the Justice Ministry, with judicial reform as his top priority. He also stressed the importance of governing for all citizens, regardless of their vote, asserting that the executive branch represents the entire nation.

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I’m not going to be the obstacle.