Correct the Navigation Mistake

Ariella Ringel Hoffman argues that the Change Bloc failed in political navigation, did not reach the periphery and Likud voters, and proposes remapping priorities and considering a unity government or partnership with the Arab parties.

Ariella Ringel Hoffman analyzes the failure of the Change Bloc in the 2026 elections, using a military navigation metaphor. According to her, the central mistake was in identifying the location: the bloc turned to the convinced instead of the geographical and perceptual periphery – those who feel the other side looks down on them. She notes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to turn weakness into opportunity and build a political narrative of fighting elites, even after October 7 and the security failure. The article suggests that instead of seeking a formula to topple Netanyahu, one should choose an alternative that minimizes damage, such as a national unity government or partnership with the Arab parties. The tone is analytical but carries emotional weight, using visual imagery ('Mount Meron vs. Mount Ardon') and a call for precision in identification.