Israel’s Future Is at Stake: Dangers of a Netanyahu Victory

Israel stands at a historic crossroads, and the stakes could hardly be higher. Another victory for Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition would risk deepening the very crises that threaten Israel’s future: weakening democratic institutions, placing an unfair burden on those who defend the country, tolerating extremist violence, accelerating international isolation, contributing to the departure of talented citizens, and undermining prospects for regional peace. The price would not be borne by Netanyahu alone — or even primarily by him. Ordinary Israelis, future generations, and a Jewish state whose security and international standing depend on responsible leadership would pay.

Israel cannot afford to continue sacrificing its long-term national interests to the short-term political calculations that sustain the current governing coalition. What is needed is a fundamental change in political direction: a government committed to democratic accountability, equal responsibility, the rule of law, security grounded in sound strategy, and serious efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Without such a change, today’s crises risk becoming tomorrow’s permanent realities.

The question facing Israeli voters is therefore not simply who should govern next, but whether Israel will continue down a path that compounds its dangers or choose a course that offers a more secure, democratic, respected, and peaceful future.

First, Israel’s democratic safeguards would face further erosion. Netanyahu and his allies have sought to weaken the judiciary’s independence and diminish the authority of the attorney general. Further efforts in this direction would undermine the checks and balances essential to preventing abuses of governmental power. An independent judiciary and an Attorney General’s Office free from improper political interference are not obstacles to effective government; they are pillars of democracy and equality before the law.

Israel must not become a country in which political loyalty takes precedence over accountability and those in power can increasingly evade scrutiny. Weakening these institutions would damage public trust and further alienate democratic allies.

Second, continued Haredi draft exemptions would undermine both security and social solidarity. October 7 and the ensuing make it very clear that Israel’s need for military personnel is especially acute. Broad exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men place an unfair burden on those who serve, including reservists whose families, careers, and livelihoods suffer from repeated call-ups.

Considering the number of Orthodox youth who do serve, often with distinction, it is obvious that religious needs can be accommodated without perpetuating a system in which large segments of the population avoid obligations borne by others. A government that protects coalition arrangements at the expense of military readiness and fairness is failing its citizens.

Third, tolerating violence by Jewish extremists against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria would further damage Israel’s security and international standing. Attacks, intimidation, and property destruction are indefensible. When perpetrators are not effectively investigated and prosecuted, the government undermines the principle that everyone is equal before the law.

That Netanyahu’s two extremist allies, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, openly encourage the growing settler violence is obvious from their statements and actions. Recently, Ben Gvir reportedly rushed to the scene to support a group of settlers who had surrounded a police car in order to allow two men suspected of committing acts of terrorist violence to escape.

Israel must protect innocent Palestinians and hold offenders accountable, regardless of their political or religious affiliations. Failure to do so fuels resentment, complicates security cooperation, undermines prospects for peace, and strengthens international perceptions that Israel applies different standards to different populations.

Antisemitism is never justified by Israeli policy, and responsibility for antisemitic prejudice rests with antisemites. Nevertheless, government actions can influence international attitudes and give those seeking to demonize Israel additional ammunition. Israel’s leaders should combat antisemitism while ensuring that their own policies reflect the Jewish values of justice, compassion, and human dignity.

Fourth, Netanyahu’s continued leadership can worsen Israel’s migration deficit and its growing international isolation.

Regarding the latter,  the Jewish People Policy Institute reports that 110 sanctions have already been imposed on Israel by 54 countries, and at least nine more sanctions are being proposed. Israel’s long-term security depends on maintaining strong, positive relationships with the world’s nations, but it has become a pariah instead, and Netanyahu and his extremist ministers are responsible for that.

Regarding the migration deficit,  Israel’s strength depends on retaining talented citizens, not losing them. It depends, as well, on attracting immigrants, encouraging investment, and maintaining strong relationships with democratic allies. Political instability, weakening democratic institutions, and the toleration of extremism can undermine confidence in the country’s future.

Israel cannot afford to lose more of its human capital because citizens believe that their country is moving in the wrong direction. It needs to be a nation that Jews want to be a contributing part of, but only if they can envision a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their nation.

Fifth, another Netanyahu victory could further diminish the prospects for normalization with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations. Agreements with them could bring enormous diplomatic, economic, and security benefits, strengthen regional cooperation against shared threats, and expand Israel’s acceptance in the Middle East.

Achieving this goal will be difficult if Israel continues expanding settlements, tolerating violence against Palestinians, and avoiding a credible path toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia and other potential partners have their own strategic considerations, but meaningful progress toward a negotiated two-state solution would improve the prospects for normalization and strengthen Israel’s relationships with the United States, Europe, and moderate Arab states.

Israel should not sacrifice these historic opportunities to satisfy far-right coalition partners who oppose meaningful compromise. A sustainable peace with the Palestinians and stronger regional partnerships are strategic necessities, not acts of weakness.

The choice facing Israel is ultimately larger than Netanyahu. It is a choice between entrenching policies that weaken democracy, burden the military, tolerate extremism, and deepen isolation—or pursuing a course that strengthens Israel’s institutions, security, international standing, and prospects for peace.

Israelis should demand leaders who put national interests above personal and political survival, enforce the law equally, share the burdens of citizenship fairly, and pursue a negotiated two-state resolution that protects Israel’s future as a secure, democratic Jewish state.

Netanyahu might emerge from another election with greater political power. But if that victory perpetuates these destructive trends, it will be a victory for one politician at the expense of the nation he leads.

Israel does not need another victory for Bibi. It needs a victory for Israel. A Win for Bibi would Be a Disaster for Israel!