Victors and vanquished alike: Israel cannot afford another war among itself - opinion

Jonathan Lieberman writes an opinion piece on Israeli Election Day, arguing that both election winners and losers must act responsibly to preserve national unity. He invokes Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks's teachings on covenant and mutual responsibility, warning against political division and the erosion of shared moral purpose. The article calls on leaders to see public office as service, not reward, and urges Israelis to disagree without endangering the state.

Jonathan Lieberman writes an opinion piece on Israeli Election Day, October 31, 2026, arguing that both election winners and losers bear responsibility for the country's future. He invokes the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, whose sixth Hebrew anniversary of death falls this Shabbat, to warn against political division and the erosion of shared moral purpose. Lieberman distinguishes between a contract, which serves individual interests, and a covenant, which creates mutual responsibility. He cautions that victory does not license humiliation of opponents, and defeat does not release one from obligations to the state. The article references the Talmud's attribution of the Second Temple's destruction to baseless hatred and calls on leaders to see public office as service, not reward. Lieberman urges Israelis to disagree without endangering the state, which he calls an extraordinary achievement of Jewish sacrifice and aspiration.