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There Is a Broad National Consensus in Israel on Foreign Affairs and Security

(Israel Hayom) Dr. Dan Schueftan - The most important test of national security is a societal one. Despite the cliches about Israel being a fractured society, the continued leadership by the centrist camp proves that there is deep solidarity, strong foundations, wonderful resilience, and a deep commitment to pluralism in society and politics. Within this centrist camp, there is a broad national consensus on the biggest national issues. In the last two highly-charged elections, there was no real dispute over civil or economic matters, or about foreign affairs and security. There is no serious disagreement about action against Iran, even though it could lead to a major war. The Palestinian issue? Both sides know there is no chance for peace in the near future. Despite the differences in emphases, there is a very broad national consensus about the principles of the state being Jewish and democratic. Without that, it is impossible to understand how a society exposed to missile threats and the risk of war enjoys such economic success, improves its regional and international standing, or achieves what it does in technology and science, not to mention its rich cultural output. The writer is director of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa.
2019-12-11 00:00:00
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