It’s time to take a stand. This is the Israel I want

Nine days remain until the elections.

For a long time, I have known whom I do not want in Israel’s government. I have said it, written about it, and explained my reasons. But today, I feel that is no longer enough.

The time has come to say what I do want.

I am not going to endorse a political party or wave the flag of any particular leader. I want to talk about principles, responsibility, and the kind of country in which I want to live.

I DO NOT WANT those who bore political, military, or institutional responsibility for the tragedy of October 7 to remain in power if they have refused to acknowledge their responsibility or submit to an independent investigation.

A democracy cannot allow its leaders to claim credit for every success while searching for someone else to blame for their failures. Responsibility does not disappear simply because it is denied, nor can it be buried beneath political speeches.

I DO NOT WANT extremists who promote, justify, or tolerate violence against people who, even while living in disputed territories, simply want to work, support their families, and live in peace.

I refuse to accept violent groups taking the law into their own hands, or those responsible for enforcing the law looking the other way. Israel’s security must remain in the hands of its legitimate institutions, not those who believe they have the right to exercise violence on their own authority.

I DO NOT WANT ultra-Orthodox leaders who demand privileges for their communities while refusing to share the obligations that sustain our country.

I deeply respect religious freedom and every person’s right to live according to their beliefs. But I cannot accept a situation in which some citizens must risk their lives, work, and pay taxes while others demand exemptions from common responsibilities and permanent dependence on public resources generated by the rest of society.

Rights must come with responsibilities. Equality cannot be merely a word used when convenient.

I DO NOT WANT people in government who reject Zionism and Israel’s existence as the national state of the Jewish people.

I defend every citizen’s right to express their views, practice their religion or none at all, and participate in democratic life. But I expect those who assume government responsibilities to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the existence, security, and future of the State of Israel.

I DO NOT WANT corruption.

I do not want public officials who use their positions for personal, family, or partisan gain. I want those facing serious, formal corruption charges to step aside from public responsibilities while their judicial proceedings are resolved, without compromising the presumption of innocence.

And I want those convicted of serious corruption offenses or extremist violence to be barred from returning to publicly funded positions, through legally established disqualifications and with appropriate judicial safeguards.

I DO WANT a truly independent judiciary, free from political pressure and capable of investigating and judging any citizen, regardless of position, wealth, or influence.

No one, absolutely no one, should be above the law.

Not a prime minister, not a cabinet minister, not a member of parliament, and not any other public official.

But I also want a justice system that works swiftly and effectively.

It is unacceptable for corruption trials to drag on for years while those who may ultimately be found guilty continue holding public office and those who are innocent remain under a cloud of suspicion that damages their reputations.

The presumption of innocence is fundamental. So is society’s right to know the truth within a reasonable period of time.

A justice system that takes years to resolve corruption cases harms everyone: the innocent, our institutions, and the public’s trust in democracy.

I do not want a judiciary controlled by the government. Nor do I want a judiciary paralyzed by endless proceedings.

I want an independent, impartial, efficient justice system that treats everyone equally.

I DO NOT WANT government ministries turned into employment agencies for friends, relatives, and political allies.

The state is not private property to be divided among the winners after an election. Public positions should be filled by qualified, honest, and capable people who can fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them.

I DO WANT a government that manages public money responsibly.

Balanced budgets, clear priorities, and sufficient resources for defense, education, and healthcare.

A strong country needs a well-prepared military, but it also needs functioning hospitals, good schools, and citizens who can earn a dignified living through their work.

I do not want the national budget used as political currency to purchase support or satisfy narrow sectoral interests.

I DO WANT the most qualified professionals in positions of responsibility.

Ministers and senior officials should be selected for their ability, experience, and integrity, not merely for their usefulness in keeping a coalition together.

Merit should once again matter more than friendship with whoever happens to be in power.

I DO WANT a serious and sustained effort to rebuild our relationships with the world’s democracies.

Israel needs allies, international respect, and professional diplomacy. Defending our national interests does not mean isolating ourselves or turning every disagreement with a friendly country into a confrontation.

I want a foreign policy that firmly defends our sovereignty and security while understanding the importance of alliances, dialogue, and cooperation.

I DO WANT a strong, determined, and effective defense against those who seek our destruction.

I want Israel to confront its enemies with all the determination necessary, within the framework of the law, without allowing political survival calculations to dictate decisions essential to our security.

I do not want leaders who confuse the interests of the state with the interests of their political parties.

I do not want the lives of our soldiers, our citizens, or our hostages subordinated to electoral considerations.

I want decisions based on national security, not opinion polls, coalition pressure, or the personal needs of those in power.

I DO WANT a government that understands that governing is not a prize. It is a responsibility.

I am not looking for perfect leaders. I know they do not exist.

I am looking for people capable of acknowledging mistakes, accepting accountability, listening to those who disagree with them, and placing the national interest above their personal ambitions.

I do not care which party they come from, what their last name is, or what political agreements are necessary to form a government.

What matters to me is what they will do when they must choose between what is right and what is convenient.

I do not expect all Israelis to think alike. Our diversity is part of our identity and our strength. But I do believe there are fundamental principles that should stand above political, religious, and ideological differences.

Honesty, accountability, equality before the law, national security, and respect for our institutions should not belong to any political party.

They should belong to all of us.

Because after October 7, Israel does not merely need a change of government. It needs to restore responsibility, integrity, and trust in those who govern it.

I do not know who will form the next government. But I know exactly which principles I want to guide it.

And for those principles, today I take a stand.