Arrogance + Fantasy = Suicide by Referendum

Sadly, suicide of the left in Israel is now a recurring theme in my writing.  Thankfully, I am an eternal optimist.  However, I also understand that there is huge difference between optimism, and fantasy, when it comes to finding peace and building a better future in this most troubled land.

Which brings me to the recent initiative on the left in Israel, on the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, to demand a referendum on the future of Israel’s rule over the West Bank and on peace with the Palestinians.

I am tempted to say that those behind this initiative have only the very best intentions however, we know where that road lies?  I cannot escape the feeling however. that this call for a referendum displays more arrogance and fantasy than best intentions.

For the peace camp and those who sincerely believe in a two state solutions, a referendum in 2017 will prove an unmitigated disaster, where defeat in such a referendum will deal a death blow to the notion of two states for two peoples.

Government by referendum does not work and is also highly unpredictable. Just ask David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister. The result of any referendum is also wholly dependent upon the manner in which the question is framed. Given the right wing nature of the current government in Israel, were they to acquiesce to such a demand, which I sincerely doubt (and for which ironically, I am very thankful); any question would be framed in a manner to deliver their desired outcome.  

This referendum is an ill advised and highly irresponsible media stunt which will back fire big time.  I strongly urge those behind this initiative to reconsider and recommend any and all who support peace and coexistence, to reject the idea of a referendum outright.

In a recent poll in Israel more than two thirds of the Israeli population support the actions of Sergeant Elor Azaria currently on trial for shooting a “neutralised” terrorist in Hebron in March 2016.  Another poll suggests that were an election held in Israel today, the left would suffer a crushing defeat, with Yair Lapid and his centrist party Yesh Atid  being the main beneficiary from the disillusion with Bibi.  

So even if the country was to reject Bibi and his hard right wing government, it is the centre and not the left which would benefit. For many potential voters,  the Left and in particular the Labour Party, or for now The Zionist Union is viewed as an arrogant, and elitist party out of touch with both reality and the people of Israel.  

Rightly or wrongly it is perceived as naive in its attitude towards the Palestinians, and the potential for a genuine peace deal.

It saddens me, also angers me to see the left continuing to flail around in denial. It is delusional indeed pure fantasy to expect the people of Israel to support an ideology in a referendum, which they have rejected outright in a general election.

What is needed on the left is not more gimmicks, more displays of naivety and media stunts.  What is needed in the left and indeed in the country as a whole, is new thinking, a new approach and a new message.

If the left wants to save itself, and in the process the country, it needs to reinvent itself and develop credible policies which make it relevant once more, which can capture the imagination of the people and which can ignite a fire in the belly of those who are desperate for an alternative to Circus Bibi.

This disillusioned majority will not be won over through suicide by referendum.

Think again!