‘Anyone but Bibi’ is not a strategy—it’s a cop-out

For years, the so-called opposition in Israel has rallied around the mantra “Anyone but Bibi.” It is the battle cry of those desperate to see Netanyahu removed from power. But here’s the harsh truth: this approach has failed repeatedly, and it’s time to call it out for what it is — a lazy, ineffective, self-defeating cop-out that has done nothing but ensure Netanyahu’s continued dominance. 

The frustration with Netanyahu is understandable, especially after the catastrophic events of October 7th and the ongoing turmoil before it. But instead of offering a coherent, alternative vision for Israel, this camp has fallen into the trap of defining itself solely by what it opposes, rather than what it stands for. Defining our political goals around opposing one man is not strategy — it’s a knee-jerk reaction that lacks substance, fails to inspire voters, and offers no meaningful change.

We’ve seen it before: fragile coalitions united only by their desire to oust Netanyahu. Remember the “change” government of Bennett-Lapid? How could we forget? It offered us a brief respite, a glimmer of hope, where many felt they could finally breathe easier. But despite its promise, it was essentially a house of cards, built on complex political “combinot” (קומבינות) — a web of intricate and often contentious agreements among its diverse members. Internal divisions, key partners’ departures, and relentless opposition from Likud and other right-wing factions soon exposed the government’s instability, ultimately leading to its collapse.

And who emerged stronger and more dangerous than ever? You guessed it: Bibi.

“My Dog Would Do a Better Job Than Bibi”

Posters of Netanyahu depicted as Arafat hang on the Tel Aviv Government Complex, calling for new elections, July 10, 2024. (courtesy)

The opposition’s failure to articulate a clear alternative is perhaps the biggest gift they’ve given Netanyahu. And now, in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in Israeli history, what are we offering? More of the same. More toxic insults, more hollow condemnations, more empty slogans. This has left a vacuum of leadership, where the only constant is Netanyahu.

Stop with the asinine comments like “My dog would do a better job than Bibi.” If that’s all we’ve got, we deserve to lose. Such rhetoric is not just unhelpful; it’s dangerous. It assumes leadership does not matter and that you can simply swap figures without offering any real solutions or policies. This kind of thinking isn’t just naïve — it’s a recipe for continued failure. It’s why Netanyahu is still in power. It’s why, after five elections in three years, we ended up with the most extreme government in Israel’s history and a national crisis that has left the country in ruins.

Stop Whining and Start Leading

Seeking Leadership with Vision—Apply Within. (courtesy)

Enough with the whining. If our entire political platform is “Anyone but Bibi,” then we’ve already lost the game. We’ve handed the keys to the kingdom right back to the man we claim to despise. Why? Because we’ve made it clear that we have no plan, no vision, no solutions—just an endless cycle of blame and empty rhetoric. Whining doesn’t win elections. Leadership does.

The “Anyone but Bibi” camp needs to wake up. If we want real change, let’s stop obsessing over Netanyahu and build a movement that offers real promise and solutions. Israel doesn’t just require a change of faces — it demands a change of direction. Start envisioning an Israel that resonates with people’s hopes, fears, and needs—and demand our leaders do the same. It is not enough to just oppose — we must propose.

Understanding the ‘Other’

Tel Aviv pro-reform protest sign reads: ‘Bibi, without reform there is no Right. Keep your promises,’ July 23, 2023. (courtesy)

Here’s a suggestion: Let’s begin by acknowledging that the Israeli electorate is diverse and that many people genuinely believe that Netanyahu, for all his flaws, is the best option available. If we want to win them over, we need to understand their concerns and address them head-on, not just dismiss them with insults and slogans.

Moreover, be careful what you wish for. Even those finally questioning Netanyahu after October 7th are not necessarily going to shift towards the opposition. In fact, there’s a significant risk that they could turn to more extreme figures like Ben Gvir and Smotrich, who promise radical solutions to their deep-seated concerns. To prevent this, it is crucial to engage with their concerns constructively, offering viable alternatives on key issues like security, national identity, and judicial reform.

The path forward will not be easy. It will require building coalitions based on shared values, not just shared enemies. It will demand hard conversations, compromises, and a willingness to engage with those who don’t already agree with us — yes, even Bibi and his supporters. Most importantly, it will require a commitment to something greater than simply removing Bibi from power. It will require a dedication to building a better future for all Israelis. Isn’t it time? Don’t we deserve that?