The question is not ‘Bibi: Yes or no?’ but the answer is, ‘Which Israel?’ - opinion

As Israel's elections approach, Jeffrey Kahn argues the central question isn't whether Netanyahu stays or goes, but what kind of country Israel must become to thrive in an unchangeable reality. Citing Viktor Frankl on self-change, he emphasizes strategic resilience, learning from Iran's patience without emulating its regime. He calls for making resilience a national project in schools, national service, and government.

As another Israeli election approaches, Jeffrey Kahn argues in this opinion piece that the central question should not be whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays or goes, but rather what kind of country Israel must become to flourish in a reality it cannot completely change. Kahn reflects on the Zionist premise that history can be changed, yet notes that after nearly 80 years of independence, some things have changed while others remain stubbornly the same. He points to Israel's formidable military yet children running for shelters, improved diplomatic ties yet growing isolation and antisemitism, and peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan alongside hostile forces in the neighborhood. He cites Viktor Frankl's idea that when we cannot change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves, and shares a parable of a mother who found peace despite her son's unchanged condition. Kahn argues that elections cannot rescue Israel from reality, and instead the nation should focus on building resilience—a strategic capability that allows it to absorb threats without being broken. He draws on Sun Tzu's principle of making oneself resistant to defeat, and suggests Israel can learn from Iran's patience and adaptability without emulating its regime. He calls for resilience to become a national project in schools, national service, and government.