Shelly should offer a big thanks to Shaul Mofaz

As practiced in Israel, politics is the surely lowest form of self-interest and aggrandisement, but when used by an artist, becomes and art.  Today Bibi has proved himself a true artist, ne, master of the art.

On the other hand…If I am not mistaken, when standing for the leadership of Kadima, Shaul Mofaz stated, that if elected he would not join the Netanyahu government.  When elected leader of Kadima and hence, leader of the opposition, he stated his intention to lead the movement for social justice. 

Ah well, not to worry, he now gets to fill in for Bibi as premier, when Bibi is out the country.  In addition to his position as Deputy Prime Minister, and yet one more minister without portfolio.  To be honest, I still cannot for the life of me work out what that is exactly.  

The USA manages to run the country with a cabinet of eleven and the UK does so with sixteen.  Why the hell do we need thirty something (sorry, I’ve lost count) individuals to run this tiny state of ours? 

Anyway, back to my point.  All Shaul Mofaz has managed to achieve over and above his elevated status, is to be viewed as a second rate, or should that be, “cut price” Ehud Barak, ready to sell himself to the highest, sorry “any” bidder.  The street walkers of Tel Aviv, who make no pretence to be anything other than what they are; surely have more moral fibre and integrity than either of the two ex-generals.  Depending upon how you look at it, Mofaz has also gained a “stay of execution” for the Kadima party, but in the process has surely signed its eventual death warrant.

The real losers are the people of Israel, as Bibi and his “poodles” circumvent the democratic process for the sake of self-interest and control.  Late night, secret meetings and backroom deals are surely the antithesis of true democracy.

However commentators, still in shock from the news, point to Yair Lapid and his new party as the big loser in this deal.  Having had the wind knocked out of him, Mr Lapid has to work out how to stay relevant for the next eighteen months.  Perhaps however it may provide our newest “wannabe” politician with an opportunity to review his performance thus far. 

Stamping his feet like a spoilt recalcitrant child who doesn’t get what he wants, Lapid has attacked the deal as “old politics”.  Perhaps he should reflect more upon the structure and charter of his own party which far more resembles that of Yisrael Beitenu, with Lapid in the role of Avigdor Lieberman.  Old politics indeed!  Yair Lapid is surely smart enough to understand that if indeed he wishes to reinvent politics in the country, then there is no place for a demagogue, even a benevolent and well intentioned one; in the democratic process. 

Perhaps this new situation will give him the time and opportunity to get his ego under check, address his considerable insecurities (why else would he make himself “Supreme Leader” of his party, and fix a severely flawed first step.

And then we come to Shelly Yacimovich and the Labour Party.  While railing against the move, hardly able to hide their shock and surprise, the leaders of the Labour party, need to understand that Shaul Mofaz has in fact handed them a precious gift, and I am not talking about Shelly’s new elevated status as leader of the opposition. 

In joining Bibi and his right wing government, Mofaz has cleared the middle ground for Ms Yachimovitch and the Labour party. Where the elections to have taken place in September, Bibi would have romped home with an increased majority, and Shelly may well be looking for a new job.  Let’s face it the Labour party under new management is just not ready to go to the country.

With the new political reality, the Labour party now has eighteen months and  a golden opportunity to establish itself as the true leader of the centre left and the movement for real change and social justice, in the process turning itself into a genuine and credible alternative for government. 

Shelly should say thank you to Mofaz and get on with the job, but get on with it in the right and proper manner. In order to establish credibility with the electorate, the Labour party must develop and effectively communicate a full range of policies on all the issues. 

Here is an opportunity for Shelly Yachimovitch to display real courage and true leadership.  A true leader has the confidence and self- awareness to surround themselves with the very best possible people available.  Shelly needs to acknowledge her own shortcomings and fully exploit the wealth and depth of knowledge and experience in her party, as well as others on the centre left. 

As “Leader of the Opposition” Shelly should immediately establish a “shadow Cabinet”, where responsibility is delegated to those most able and competent to speak out and develop policies in opposition to those of the current administration.  Shelly is viewed (rightly or wrongly) as weak on Diplomacy, Security and Economics, as well as other areas.  She has excellent and experienced colleagues to call upon.  As the leader, Shelly needs to take control, sweep away the self-destructive infighting and cronyism and make it clear that she intends to build a winning team, utilising the very best within the party.  

A talented and credible Shadow Cabinet led effectively by Shelly; can present a fresh, new, united approach to addressing the genuine concerns and pressing issues facing the country, which can resonate with the people.  That is how you most effectively combat the current leadership (or should I say lack of). 

Behind the scenes each “Shadow minister” can call upon the vast human capital of the party and wider afield to develop a new, innovative and credible manifesto to take to the people in October 2013. People want to get involved.  Empower them to do so and there is no limit to what can be achieved.  

So Shelly, say thank you and get on with the job.  Prove that you are indeed worthy of the title “Leader”.