Reuven Rivlin's 2003 Advice Is Even More Relevant Ahead of the 26th Knesset Elections | Arik Bender

Arik Bender recalls Rivlin's 2003 advice to choose well, and asserts it is even more relevant ahead of the 26th Knesset elections. He criticizes the 25th Knesset for rudeness, attacks on the judicial system, and hasty legislation, and cites a report by the Israel Democracy Institute warning of the erosion of democratic norms.

In an opinion piece in Maariv, journalist Arik Bender recalls a press conference convened by the Speaker of the 16th Knesset, Reuven Rivlin, in 2003, following phenomena of corruption in the Knesset, including the night of disgrace of double voting. Rivlin then said: "One rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel... Guys, elect better MKs. Choose well!" Bender argues that this advice is even more relevant ahead of the elections for the 26th Knesset, which will take place on October 27. He criticizes the 25th Knesset for record levels of rudeness, profanity, verbal violence, attacks on the Supreme Court and the Attorney General, hasty legislation, and despicable personal behavior by some MKs. He cites a report by the Israel Democracy Institute that defines the house's working methods as a multi-front attack on democratic norms. The article calls on the public to elect more worthy representatives.