Particularly Fateful Elections: Changing Leadership May Restore Israel's Standing in the World

Shlomo Shamir argues that the upcoming elections will determine not only the identity of the government but also Israel's international standing. He believes that replacing the government could halt the international erosion and open the door to restoring its image and trust, and that criticism of Israel stems from the conduct of an extreme, full-right government.

In a commentary in Maariv, Shlomo Shamir argues that the upcoming Knesset elections are 'particularly fateful' and that their results will affect not only the identity of the government but also Israel's international standing. He notes that this standing is currently at an unprecedented low, and that the criticism and condemnations Israel faces in global politics, in the media, and in Western public opinion are a result of the conduct of an extreme, full-right government. According to him, replacing the government could halt the international erosion and open the door to restoring its image and trust, allowing a return to Israel's reputation as a success story and as a respected and esteemed country. He also notes that senior opposition politicians are unaware of how the election results will affect the international standing. The column presents a clear political position in favor of changing leadership, using loaded language such as 'extreme government' and 'full-right.'