Israel goes to the polls

It's election day in Israel tomorrow, and although every election is important, this one seems to have more importance than previous ones. To put it bluntly, Israel has had a disastrous last couple of years dealing with enemies at home and abroad. In hindsight the disengagement plan has turned out horribly, although one cannot say how it would have turned out had Sharon not had a stroke. Instead Ehud Olmert took power, and turned out to be maybe the worst Israeli Prime Minister ever. First he bungled the 2nd Lebanon War by relying to much on air strikes instead of ground invasion. Despite this failure, he refused to resign, and served incompetently until numerous corruption charges forced him to resign. If there is any saving grace to his legacy it is that this Gaza operation was performed well.

Now to the candidates.

I personally feel disposed to Netanyahu because we share some common political views. Mainly that the Palestinians cannot be trusted at this moment in time, especially with the schism between Hamas and Fatah. I also believe, like him, that if the Palestinians develop their economy they might renounce terror in some way. For better or worse the Western world has showed us that humans love luxury, and do not want to harm their comfort in any way. He has also proven to be a competent steward of the economy, which should be helpful in this global downturn. Although he didn't do so well the first time around, many Israeli politicians are given a 2nd chance and have done better.

Barak was a disaster for many when he was P.M. He offered the Palestinians more than anyone had before at Camp David and they still didn't accept his offer. What's he going to offer them now? Especially since they don't have an Arafat anymore, who could actually get things done. I think he should stick to military matters, where his battle experience helps him, and I hope he joins the coalition and retains the post of Defense Minister.

Livni in my mind is a fool. She bragged about signing the U.N Resolution after the 2nd Lebanon War, and it has proven to be an idiotic move in hindsight. Hezbollah can do whatever it wants in Lebanon and the UN won't stop them. She also was constantly with Olmert or against him, which doesn't bode well for someone in a position of power. She also has done nothing of importance in her current post, besides being able to stay up through long policy meetings, presumably.

Lieberman is to crazy for me, and not in touch with religious people. Although I don't think he's a racist, I still am not a fan of fiery populists who prey on ignorance for votes. His idea of the 2 state solution is something to think about, namely Jews should have their own state sans Israeli Arabs, who would join a future Palestinian state.

There are a lot more small parties, but nobody of substance.

Whatever the decision tomorrow, it will reveal a big paradigm shift in Israeli society.