1959 vs. 2026: The Same Rift - But a Completely Different Kind of Leadership | Ephraim Ganor

An opinion column comparing the 1959 ethnic crisis, which peaked in the Wadi Salib riots, with the ongoing ethnic rift in Israel of 2026. The author, Ephraim Ganor, contrasts David Ben-Gurion, who fought the Lavon Affair and was willing to give up power for his principles, with current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he claims is loyal first and foremost to his political survival.

An opinion column by Ephraim Ganor, published in Maariv, compares two periods in Israeli history: 1959 and 2026. The author describes the public atmosphere before the 1959 elections, which seemed stable but was undermined by ethnic tensions that culminated in the Wadi Salib riots in Haifa. He notes that despite the riots, Mapai under Ben-Gurion won 47 seats, its peak achievement. However, the government fell within less than two years due to the Lavon Affair. At this point, the column highlights the central difference: while Ben-Gurion demanded reopening the affair and investigating thoroughly who gave the order that caused the 'Esek Bish' (the botched operation), risking his government, current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is primarily loyal to his own survival and continued tenure. The column uses this historical comparison to criticize Netanyahu's leadership, presenting Ben-Gurion as a model of a principled leader willing to sacrifice power.