What Lincoln, Churchill, and Begin can teach Israel’s coalition-builders - opinion

An opinion piece argues that Israel's coalition-builders should learn from Lincoln, Churchill, and Begin to form a unity government with a shared goal beyond rejecting Benjamin Netanyahu. The author calls for a written program covering security, reconstruction, housing, service distribution, an October 7 investigation, and democratic protections, warning against a coalition formed merely to keep one leader in or out.

An opinion piece by Albert Veksler argues that Israel's political rivals must move beyond coalition vetoes and agree on a shared goal if a unity government is to deliver more than shared power. The article notes that Israelis voted on October 27 with turnout not seen since 1999, producing a divided Knesset with no clear path to 61 seats for either main bloc. Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, the main non-Arab opposition parties hold 48, and with the Arab-led parties' 19 they could reach 67 but face serious political disagreements. The author draws lessons from Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Menachem Begin, who formed broad coalitions during crises. The piece calls for a written coalition program with deadlines covering security strategy, reconstruction, housing and living costs, fairer service distribution, an independent investigation of October 7, and protection of democratic institutions. The author warns that a unity government formed merely to keep one leader in office or keep another out would repeat the mistake Israel needs to escape.