Party Leaders Respond to the Existential Question of Israel's Future
At the National Security Conference, Israeli party leaders presented their strategies for coexistence in a region where part of the population rejects Israel's right to exist. We have compiled their responses to this fundamental challenge.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel, its leaders have been required to maneuver wisely between war and peace to ensure stability in the Middle Eastern chaos. In the years before the October 7 massacre, it seemed things were improving: three Muslim countries normalized relations with Israel, and Saudi Arabia was on the path to doing so. However, reality shifted. The massacre and the subsequent war exposed a danger that had been suppressed: while the country lived in the illusion of "quiet at any price," Iran grew stronger, surrounding us with a "ring of fire." The policy of quiet collapsed, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict became bloodier than ever. At the National Security Conference organized by ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth" in collaboration with the INSS, we posed the question to party leaders: What is your solution for a reality where part of the Muslim population does not accept Israel's very existence? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri did not respond to our request.
Citizens' commitment: Gadi Eisenkot
The former Chief of Staff emphasized that there are no magic solutions. "We are in a state of permanent asymmetry. We must rely on strength and deterrence, and in war, achieve a crushing victory. But the main thing is cohesion and mutual guarantee. It is impossible to accept a reality where only 50% of children study in the state education system, learning the values of the Declaration of Independence and bearing the burden of service. We must reward those who serve and sanction those who evade."
Gorilla in the jungle: Naftali Bennett
The Beyachad chairman proposed changing the concept from a "villa in the jungle" to a "gorilla in the jungle." "We must be active and create alliances, including normalization with Saudi Arabia without a Palestinian state. This is what the business world wants. But when the government engages in 'PR attacks' like Ben Gvir or Smotrich, no one wants to do business with us."
Two legs: Benny Gantz
The Blue and White chairman stated: "We must stand on two legs: power and morality. If we are not strong, we will not be in this region. If we do not maintain the values of a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state, who will we be? The Haredi society must become an active and equal partner. October 7 showed: we can be surprised, but we cannot be defeated if we are united."
Vision needed: Avigdor Lieberman
The Yisrael Beiteinu chairman believes 98% of bloodshed in the Middle East is between Muslims themselves. "Moderate Sunni countries understand that their enemy is radical groups. We can build alliances, but that requires vision and execution. This government is sectoral and anti-state."
Voluntary transfer: Itamar Ben Gvir
The Otzma Yehudit chairman stated the solution is to "encourage the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and Judea and Samaria." Regarding the "messianic" label, he replied: "Ideas called messianic are our strength. We must build a Jewish state where Arabs who respect us can live, but those who throw stones or wave Hamas flags must leave."
Separate from the Palestinians: Yair Golan
The Democrats' chairman is certain: "Annexing millions of Palestinians will destroy us from within. If we want a Jewish and democratic state, we must separate. This should be done through regional arrangements. Israel must show a positive face to the region, fight terror, and restore law and order in Judea and Samaria."
Be strong: Bezalel Smotrich
The Religious Zionism chairman relies on Jabotinsky's "Iron Wall" logic. "We must be strong in technology, AI, and defense industries. In international relations, there is no romance, only interests. We must be valuable to the world so they need our cooperation."
Mutual recognition: Mansour Abbas
The Ra'am chairman emphasized dialogue. "Arab citizens of Israel play an important role in reconciliation. I support national-civil service for Arabs. Despite suspicion, the fabric of relations has proven itself."
Another way: Yousef Jabareen
The Hadash chairman stated that military force does not bring security. "The only way is a just political settlement, ending the occupation, and establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel in the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative."
Apply sovereignty: Yitzhak Goldknopf
The United Torah Judaism chairman insists on a determined stand against terror. "We must strengthen settlements and apply sovereignty in all parts of the country. As long as we adhere to the Torah and commandments, the promise will be fulfilled: 'and you shall dwell safely in your land'."
