Is the 1977 upheaval returning? Three points of similarity that provoke thought | Dr. Nachman Shai

Dr. Nachman Shai compares in an opinion piece in Ma'ariv the 1977 political upheaval to the political situation in 2026, identifying three points of similarity: social protest, governmental corruption, and the emergence of a new party (Yashar! led by Gadi Eisenkot). He argues that there is no need to fear a change of government, but refrains from determining that history will repeat itself.

Dr. Nachman Shai, a former minister and Knesset member, compares in an opinion piece in Ma'ariv the 1977 political upheaval to the current political situation ahead of the 2026 elections. He points to three key similarities: intense social protest, governmental corruption, and the emergence of a new party with a new leader – in the current case, the Yashar! party led by Gadi Eisenkot, similar to the Dash party of Yigal Yadin in 1977. Shai argues that the similarity is 'dizzying' and invites the conclusion that history will repeat itself, but expresses caution, stating that it is unclear how it will repeat. He concludes that there is no need to fear a change of government, and that it may usher in a new era, similar to the peace agreements and economic growth after 1977. The article ends with a call to vote.