Israel must prepare its Joshua Generation for the post-Netanyahu era - opinion

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be remembered as a consequential leader who significantly strengthened Israel's economy, technological leadership, and regional alliances, including the historic Abraham Accords. These accomplishments reshaped the Middle East in ways previously considered improbable. However, the article posits that history judges leaders not only by their achievements but also by their preparation of successors.

While Israel has become a formidable military, technological, and economic power, its international legitimacy faces increasing challenges. The narrative often portrays Israel as a colonial project rather than the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, a perception amplified on university campuses, in international media, and across social media. This is framed as a strategic diplomatic challenge, not merely a public relations issue.

The article contends that despite strengthening security, the economy, and regional ties over nearly two decades, the Netanyahu era failed to adequately cultivate a new generation of internationally respected Zionist leaders. The author, drawing on a background shaped by diverse continents and educational systems, emphasizes that 21st-century diplomacy requires more than intergovernmental negotiations. It necessitates trusted communicators who understand history, culture, and the concerns of global audiences.

Diplomacy is now contested daily across various platforms where public opinion is often formed before official negotiations begin. Israel possesses exceptional military, intelligence, economic, scientific, and entrepreneurial talent. Yet, the author argues, insufficient investment has been made in developing globally respected communicators who can confidently explain Zionism and engage audiences beyond Israel's borders. Winning wars remains critical, but winning understanding is equally essential, echoing Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' teaching that Moses's greatest achievement was preparing Joshua to lead.