The “Art” of Silence in Israeli Politics - Gantz vs Gallant

Having dumped the party that allowed him to enter politics, Yoav Gallant wants to impress his new Likud colleagues and show them that he too can make a lot of noise based on very little.  While Bibi’s cohort, the usual suspects, Miri Regev, David Amsalem and co., take pot shots at the Attorney General, the police and the Judiciary and wider legal system and anyone else they can think of, to muddy the waters on the way to a possible indictment of their great leader, so Gallant thought he would have a go.

Gallant, decided to take a pot shot at Benny Ganz, of course completely unrelated to the fact that Ganz was appointed Chief of Staff, in place of Gallant, who lost the top spot due to some questionable activities regarding his Moshav property and the appropriation of public land.   Anyway, I digress… Gallant contends that the reason Ganz is not speaking, is that, “when you have nothing to say, you don’t speak”.

If this is indeed the case, then it is highly refreshing for a politician, albeit a political virgin, to have the ability to not speak.  I think we can all agree that we would all be better off with more of that.

I wonder… Has Ganz mastered the art of silence?  Of course, the media hates it however, the polls suggest that it might be a highly effective strategy.   Perhaps Gallant and his new Likud friends could learn something from Ganz, in that perhaps, sometimes it would be better to shut the f**ck up!  To be frank, we would be happy if you would just think before you spoke.

In truth it would appear, we have become comfortably numb in the face of empty, superficial, populist speak on the part of politicians. 

We are used to empty rhetoric and banal protestations from our public representatives.  Perhaps we should welcome Gantz’s reluctance to speak when he has “nothing to say”.  Indeed, it may be than when he eventually does make his views clear, we may well decide to take notice.

From past interview, we know that Ganz sees a major problem in the level of political discourse.  He believes in a more dignified approach where the issues and not just personalities are discussed.  He recognizes the risk posed by increased tribalism and the polarization of Israeli society. 

The man has spent his entire adult life in service of his country however if media reports are to be believed, where for sure, these days they all too often cannot, but lets give them the benefit of the doubt on this one; apparently Bibi’s campaign machine is on a mission to trawl up dirt on our ex Chief of Staff, where of core their strategy will be more an attempt in character assassination than anything substantial, like say, policies or issues.

I too, am keen to hear Benny Ganz set out his stall and tell us what he believes and how he intends to lead this country, should he be given the chance.  I want to see him challenged and tested, questioned and debated on his positions, his policies, his record and his ability to deliver.

I tend to agree with Ganz in the fact that left and right have very little meaning in the modern day.  Today our struggle is about retaining our identity as a Jewish and democratic state, about retaining and strengthening our values and our way of life.  It is about those who are determined to protect modern day Israel from blind ideologues, religious extremists and corrupt individuals all of whom would sacrifice our country for the sake of their avarice and self-interest, their perverted ideology and special interest, or fundamentalist beliefs. 

The majority of Israelis, whatever side of the political map they come from, want leaders who they can look up to and admire, who lead through conviction, with integrity and the interests of our country and all its people as their primary concern.

Such leaders are sorely lacking on all sides if the political map.  Avi Gabbai was appointed to change and reenergize the Labour Party.  Sadly, all he has managed is to take an ailing body to the point where it is now in need of intensive care perhaps even euthanasia.   Lapid, Kahlon, and other centrists offer little of substance.  

Bennett and Shaked are delivering Israel’s very own Nationalist Party, with much more in common with Marie Le Pen’s Front National in France, or the multitude of far-right nationalist parties throughout Europe, than it does with either Jabotinsky or Trumpeldor.  There are of course a few bright lights however they are all too few and with no real power.  Don’t get me started on Messianic Zionists or Haredi parties who see no further than the advancement of their own narrow interests and ideologies.

Bibi has surrounded himself with “useful idiots”, as well as a rotten circle of corrupt associates and advisors.  I believe in the presumption of innocence as much as I believe in the rule of law and I hope indeed that Bibi will prove the accusations against him to be false where he is proven innocent of the charges which are yet to be brought against him.  However, when you use your political power and allies to willfully attack and undermine the very gate keepers of our democracy and the rule of law, then you undoubtedly undermine your own position.

We need to restore the pride in our legislative house and state institutions.   We have a desperate need true leadership, be it form the right or left, but it needs to be a leadership that puts the country, the whole country and all its people first.  I have no idea if Benny Ganz is such a leader however apparently, he wants a different approach to the way in which we conduct our politics.  Thus far he is certainly different, much to the frustration of our media which bears a not insignificant share of responsibility for the sad state of affairs in our national politics.  But until he does speak, the jury is out.

I look forward to hearing what Ganz has to say and where he stands on all the issues, when he finally decides it is time to speak, and he undoubtedly will.   For now, to be frank, I applaud his silence and wish that others in Israeli politics would take a leaf out if his book.