Don’t give up on Israel. Argue with it - opinion

Yisrael Klitsner urges Diaspora Jews not to give up on Israel despite the inconclusive November 2026 election, where Likud won 26 seats but Netanyahu's bloc fell short of a majority. He argues that high turnout and deep divisions over religion, state, and Zionism show a healthy, engaged society worth staying invested in.

In an opinion piece published on November 5, 2026, Yisrael Klitsner addresses Diaspora Jews who may feel exhausted by repeated Israeli elections and the prospect of another Benjamin Netanyahu government. He argues that the latest election, with Likud winning roughly 26 seats and Netanyahu's bloc at 53 (eight short of a majority), is not a reason to disengage. Instead, he sees the high turnout of 77.7% and the deep divisions over religion and state, judicial checks and balances, and competing visions of Zionism as signs of a healthy, engaged society. Klitsner acknowledges the frustration but urges readers to stay in the argument, noting that Israelis are fiercely debating their national project. The piece frames the election as a semi-victory for Likud but a rejection of the hard-right coalition's majority, suggesting potential for a more centrist government.