When will we realise that the time has come to stop the rot. As things look at the moment it would appear that we will wait until it is too late at which time we will do too little and in the end achieve nothing.
Lately there has not been a great deal to smile about in Israel. After more than 1000 days, Gilad Shalit is still in captivity. Our politicians appearing once more to have clutched defeat from the jaws of victory. The supposed military success in Operation Cast Lead appears to have born no real fruit on the ground. Missiles are still falling on Israeli towns and Gilad Shalit will not be at the Seder table next month.
In regard to Operation Cast Lead, disturbing accusations are appearing in the press in regard to the behaviour of "the most moral army in the world". Whilst prosecuting the war, it would appear that the rules of engagement were less than clear and that certain units were involved in dubious and perhaps criminal acts against the civilian population. If true these events cast a dark shadow over our military and the moral and ethical levels under which it operates. For sure the vast majority of our soldiers are brave and professional, particularly when thrown in to incredibly complex and difficult combat situations in which they find themselves, given the nature and tactics of the enemy they face on our behalf . However as the instrument of a democratic government, which is what the IDF is; these accusations must be investigated fully.
Not unrelated, I read to day in Haaretz that many of our wounded combat veterans form the 2nd Lebanon War are being led a merry dance by the authorities in their search for care and compensation for their injuries. This situation is nothing short of shameless.
At the same time, one month after our elections, Israel still has no government, no budget for 2009. The country is in the midst of the most difficult economic conditions since independence, with no apparent plan of action. Negotiations continue on forming a coalition with money and ministerial appointment up for grabs. Those involve seem to have no qualms about selling themselves to the highest bidder. the only government Bibi can put together is one that is wholly unacceptable o the vast majority of Israelis and one tat will no doubt fail and result in another round of elections within a year. No doubt these elections will yield just as confused a result as those just past.
In short the country is "up shit creek" seemingly "without a paddle". What has happened to the country? Why has it lost its way and why are there apparently no real leaders prepared to make a stand, ignore the pundits and lead with policies instead of following the polls.
Only when these individuals appear on the scene, people able to set out a vision and and a pragmatic route in order to achieve that vision.
Today Israelis are cynical, exhausted, frustrated and apparently lost. The country is gong off the rails and it is up to the citizens of the country, civilian, political and military alike to look in the mirror and ask what has gone wrong. More importantly they then need to think of how we can fix it. At the end of the day the solutions to the the most challenging period, perhaps in the history of the country can only be created from within. However it takes a different kind of person to those currently thrashing around in the political quagmire that is Israeli politics. the country cries out for leadership and will happily follow if a true leader is prepared to step forward.
Perhaps you know someone?
