Netanyahu's departure will force Israeli politics to define itself

For years, Israeli politics has been dominated by a single question: Benjamin Netanyahu. Whether in support or opposition, the country's political landscape has largely coalesced around the figure of the long-serving prime minister. This dynamic has, however, created a political system that often defines itself by what it is against, rather than what it stands for.

As the article posits, no political era lasts forever. The eventual departure of Netanyahu from leadership will inevitably weaken the unifying force that has held together a diverse opposition. This coalition has included figures from across the political spectrum, from the right to the left, united primarily by their desire to see Netanyahu replaced. Without him as the central point of contention, these disparate groups will be forced to confront their own ideological differences.

This impending shift raises fundamental questions about the future direction of Israeli politics. Parties will need to articulate clear security doctrines, addressing complex issues like the establishment of a Palestinian state, settlement policies, and relations with Iran. Domestically, debates on the balance of power between the Knesset and the Supreme Court, the necessity and nature of judicial reform, the state's Jewish character, and solutions for the ultra-Orthodox military conscription crisis will come to the fore. The growing cost of living and regional disparities will also demand concrete policy proposals.

The biggest change, however, may occur within Netanyahu's own Likud party. As a long-established governing party with a broad electoral base, Likud will face the challenge of defining its identity and future leadership in a post-Netanyahu era. The departure of its dominant figure will likely trigger internal debates and a redefinition of the party's core principles and vision.