Israel needs 'national salvation' government to avert catastrophe, opinion argues

Israel stands at a precipice, facing a moment that demands more than ordinary politics; it requires "national salvation," according to an opinion piece by Dan Perry. Whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wins the upcoming October election or the opposition prevails, the incoming government will inherit a nation in crisis.

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There are moments when ordinary politics are not enough, and salvation is required. Israel has reached such a moment.

If Netanyahu wins, the article warns, Israel will be "heading toward catastrophe." Should the polls be correct and the opposition takes power, they will face a "traumatized country, with weakened institutions and international isolation threatening its very existence." In either scenario, the author contends, the next government must operate with the motivation and scope of a "National Salvation Front."

Perry outlines a series of urgent tasks for this hypothetical government. First, it must establish an "unflinching" state commission of inquiry into the October 7 catastrophe. Second, it must repeal the judicial and constitutional changes enacted by the current Netanyahu coalition, including measures that weakened the attorney-general and undermined judicial independence. Ministers must be held accountable to court rulings, with any future judicial reform debated calmly and with broad consensus.

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If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wins in October, Israel will be heading toward catastrophe.

Externally, the piece advocates for a shift from military strength to diplomatic gains. It urges Israel to "Say ‘yes’ to Trump Gaza plan – and mean it," declaring acceptance of the framework, implementing it in good faith, cooperating with an international stabilization force, and accepting a new Palestinian governing authority if Hamas disarms. Israel should also actively assist in Gaza's reconstruction and fund-raising efforts.

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the opposition must then think in terms of national salvation, as it will need that level of motivation to succeed.

Domestically, the author calls for an end to "Jewish terrorism" in the West Bank, advocating for outlawing involved organizations, confiscating illegal weapons, and dismantling violent outposts. The piece concludes by emphasizing that the occupation, settlements, and wars fuel isolation, which in turn damages the economy and security, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that the next government must break.

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Everything is connected. The occupation, settlements, and wars fuel isolation; isolation damages the economy and security; and internal societal distortions further weaken the country.