Political Leaders Behaving Badly

Our leaders have failed us at the time we need them most

During these difficult days, I no longer leave my home to go to work. I no longer shop, travel, go to movies, or eat out at restaurants. I am maintaining social distance from my grandchildren and have given up family dinners. I am staying in my house.

I am adhering to these restrictions because I must trust the leadership of my country to get us through this crisis together to better times ahead.

Unfortunately, our leaders have not earned that trust.

What I expect

I expect a prime minister who sets a personal example for his country by following the rule of law; by stepping down when indicted by the courts on three serious charges; by working to unite all citizens at a time of crisis. I expect a leader who comes on television and instead of giving speeches, gives hope for the future. I expect a father figure who will lead us through a challenging battle and give everyone the assurance that we will win.

What I am getting instead

My prime minister is a man more interested in protecting himself than in protecting his country. He is a masterful politician who thinks the courts, the police, and the media are all out to get him. He is a party leader who believes he has the public’s support when in fact a majority of the public wants to replace him. He is someone who thinks he is above the law.

What I expect

I expect an opposition leader who can convince me he is capable of taking on the responsibility of leading the country and not just leading an “anyone but Bibi” campaign. I expect an opposition leader who knows when to compromise, when to put aside political differences and work together with other parties, both secular and religious. I expect an opposition leader who will present a clear, and positive vision for the future.

What I am getting instead

The opposition is being led by a “cockpit” of former army leaders (and one token civilian) who seem more interested in group hugs than in presenting an alternative path forward. I see a party that made promises to its supporters but does not know when it is in its supporters’ interest to abandon those promises and work for the entire country instead. I see an opposition that suggested willingness to give the Arab minority its first chance to help this country move forward, but then was incapable of making that happen.

What I expect

I expect a Knesset working to serve the public and not itself. I expect a government that will prioritize health services and education, one that will enact difficult policies with full respect to the public’s privacy. I expect a government that will ensure that all citizens are cared for, even if they temporarily cannot go to work or keep their business open. I expect that the parliament I helped elect will provide much-needed oversight on what the government does.

What I am getting instead

The Knesset Speaker is a man whom I have always respected as providing apolitical leadership, setting a personal example for all politicians right and left. Instead, he has bowed down to party politics, dismissing High Court rulings and refusing to act according to the will of the majority. The Knesset members have yet to show me that they can work together to legislate on behalf of the public, and not cater to the interests of their parties.

What I expect

A functioning government.

What I am getting instead

Political chaos.


Originally posted on The Times of Israel

Photo by Rafael Nir on Unsplash.