The Ongoing Crisis in Israel – Challenges, Trust, and Leadership with Gidi Grinstein and Rabbi Ed Feinstein
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Gidi Grinstein, a former diplomat and participant in the Israeli-Palestinian peace processes, sat down with Rabbi Ed Feinstein to discuss Israel’s current challenges. With the war continuing in Gaza and mounting political and social tensions, Grinstein shared his perspective on the country’s leadership, the public’s growing distrust, and what the future might hold for Israel as it faces this prolonged crisis.
The Mixed Sentiments in Israel as the Crisis Continues
As Israel nears the one-year mark of the October 7th Hamas attack, the atmosphere in the country remains one of deep uncertainty. Grinstein spoke about the mixed emotions felt by the Israeli public, as the war drags on longer than anyone expected.
“[A lot of people did not expect this crisis to go that long… sentiments about insecurity, and about uncertainty,]” Grinstein explained. The prolonged nature of the conflict, coupled with the ongoing captivity of nearly 200 Israelis in Gaza, has left many citizens questioning the future of their nation.
At the same time, there is a growing concern about the government’s lack of a clear vision for how to bring the war to a successful close. Grinstein emphasized the widespread feeling of frustration: “People are concerned by the lack of vision by the government in terms of how to finish the war…and how to end it successfully with regards to the Palestinians, both in Gaza and Lebanon.”
The Stalemate in Peace Talks and Potential for a Deal
Despite increasing calls for peace from both the Israeli public and the international community, a truce with Hamas seems far from reality. Grinstein pointed out that neither side is exhausted enough to be ready for meaningful negotiations.
“[Right now, it doesn’t look like there’ll be a deal anytime soon,” Grinstein stated. “There’s no ripeness for a deal.]”
One of the main obstacles to any agreement, according to Grinstein, is Israel’s stance on maintaining indefinite control of the Philadelphia Corridor, a key area along the Gaza-Egypt border. This demand has made it nearly impossible for Hamas to agree to terms for peace. Grinstein’s assessment suggests that Israel remains in a strategic limbo, with no clear path forward.
Analyzing Netanyahu's Leadership During Crisis
As the war continues, much of the focus has been on the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Grinstein expressed concern that Netanyahu’s decisions are being driven more by political survival than by what is best for the country in this time of crisis.
“[It’s hard to say that in this moment… people are looking at a prime minister and seeing one driven by the overall well-being of society,]” Grinstein observed. Instead, Netanyahu’s maneuvers, including reshuffling his government and appeasing coalition partners, have raised doubts about whether he is making decisions in the national interest.
Even as Israel faces the potential of an expanded conflict with Lebanon, Netanyahu’s political considerations remain a significant factor. Grinstein pointed out that the prime minister’s focus on maintaining his coalition, particularly by accommodating the ultra-Orthodox factions, has distracted from addressing the more pressing security concerns facing the nation.
The Social Impact of Failing Trust in Government
One of the most dangerous consequences of this crisis is the erosion of public trust in the Israeli government. Grinstein highlighted the risks associated with a population losing faith in its leaders during a time of war, especially when the threat of a larger, more dangerous conflict looms in the north.
“[What happens when a population can’t trust its government in the middle of a war?]” Grinstein asked, raising a critical question about the broader social consequences of this breakdown in trust.
In Israel, the lack of faith in the government has contributed to widespread protests, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets, particularly on Saturday nights. These demonstrations reflect a deep dissatisfaction with how the war is being managed and the growing sense that political decisions are being made with survival, rather than victory, in mind.
The Future of Israeli Politics
Grinstein expressed hope that the current political turbulence could eventually lead to a more centrist coalition in Israel. The country’s experiment with an all-right-wing government, he argued, has led to a series of crises, from internal constitutional battles to a poorly managed war effort.
“[I hope that the consequence will be a vote of support for a centrist-driven coalition,]” he said. Grinstein predicted that many voters who have traditionally supported right-wing parties may now shift toward the center, seeking pragmatic leadership that prioritizes national security and the well-being of all Israelis.
As frustration with the current government grows, there is a possibility that Israeli politics could swing back toward the center, where coalitions traditionally included both right- and left-wing parties. Grinstein emphasized that pragmatic governance is key to national stability, and that “when we have dogmatic governments…this really spells big problems.”
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.