Lapid: The Time Is Now

You’ve done a good job as the leader of the opposition. You admirably fought the so-called judicial reform. You appropriately blamed Netanyahu for leading us into this current mess. But the country needs you now. Grown-ups finally joined the Netanyahu government and effectively sidelined the crazies. Professionals now lead the military fight. Yet, just as important is the diplomatic battle. You’re the one with experience.

The terrible images of the Hamas slaughter persuaded most of the world to support Israel’s right to demolish Hamas. But as the images of the Gaza destruction and suffering take over social media, the internet and television, someone needs to effectively respond. Netanyahu has little to no credibility in the Western world. US President Biden was very gracious in overcoming his own personal opposition to Netanyahu and his government to eloquently support Israel in the strongest of terms. Nevertheless, Israel needs a respected international voice.

When Ben-Gurion led the nation through the War of Independence, it was the internationalist, Chaim Weizmann, who intervened with US President Truman to gain critical US support during the war. You can be the Chaim Weizmann of our time. You have the contacts. You have the skills. You are respected in the world’s capitals, and no one but you can maintain international support during what likely will be an ugly and protracted battle.

You are right about not wanting to be associated with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. But they have been sidelined and will be even more so if the second largest party in the Knesset joins the emergency government. A seat at the security table apparently awaits you. Take it. Make a difference at this critical hour. The government needs your voice. The country needs you. The time is now.