1) Demonstrations against Oslo have had no impact
on any government of Israel, and will not have any impact unless they are
of REVOLUTIONARY magnitude. This does not mean demonstrations have no positive
value:
raising public awareness, etc. Nevertheless,
demonstrations can actually become counterproductive if they distract thought
and energy and divert resources required to remedy the fundamental causes
of Israel’s malaise.Superficial critics focus on the flaws of leaders or
their flawed policies, when these flaws may be, to a great extent, the
consequence of REGIME flaws.
2) Much the same may be said of critical analysis
of the “peace process.” Though necessary, they too can become counterproductive.
Not only may they generate despondency, but they too can short circuit
positive goals and creative thinking required to deal with regime flaws.
3) Both demonstrations and critical analyses
of the “peace process” presuppose that Israel has a democratic government.
This is a fatal mistake. If Israel were a genuine democracy, the
countless demonstrations and critical analyses of the government, from
Begin to Barak, would have had a discernible impact on public policy.
4) Both demonstrations and critical analyses
employ the “direct” approach, as military scientists might say. But
in the conflict between the citizens of Israel and its government, one
must often employ an indirect approach.
I have long advocated placing on the public agenda
a controversial issue that derails Oslo – such as demanding the indictment
of seditious Arab MKs.
5) Short of a revolution, only one kind of direct
approach can possibly succeed. This needs a preface.
a) In the 1992 and 1999 elections, it was estimated
that there was a floating vote of 20%. It may have been greater,
judging from the success of Shinui (6 seats), Israel Beiteinu (4 seats);
Center (6 seats) – three new
parties (I know Shinui was not quite new), and
Shas (17 seats). Of course this was the result of the decline of
both Labor and the Likud.
b) Now, given the disillusionment with Barak,
hence with the Left, it’s reasonable to assume that the floating vote will
be much more than 20%. Israel B’Aliya and Mafdal have been fragmented.
Echud Leumi is going
nowhere. Likud, with or without Bibi,
will make no great gains. Therefore, the time is ripe for a new Nationalist
Party, provided it has a positive and not merely an anti-Oslo goals.
The goal must be the reconstruction of the
State of Israel on solid Jewish foundations,
and this entails a Jewish Constitution.
c) This is why I have proposed a United Front
of extra-parliamentary nationalist groups. This combinat5ion of dedicated
organizations has a large potential electoral base, given the large floating
vote. The trouble is two-fold. First, there is a prejudice
against forming a new political party, even though it would be a party
like no other. Second, most extra-parliamentary groups are led by
people who, though very intelligent, do not think in institutional terms.
They also feel there is no time for an institutional or constitutional
approach. What they fail to see is that not only is such an approach
necessary, but that it does not preclude the formation of teams to deal
with immediate problems, such as toppling Barak, forming a civilian defense
force, etc. They fail to see that the existing system of government
is itself a basic cause of Israel’s Oslovian decline. And then, of course
– and forgive me for saying it – but there is such a thing as organizational
egotism. This hinders the establishment of a United Front.
6) Nevertheless, given the decrepit character
of existing political parties, I believe Israel’s only hope is the formation
of a new party, a party like no other. I have a comprehensive program
for such a party. I also hav name for such a party, one that all
extra-parliamentary nationalist groups will agree to, but I am saving it
for the time when we transcend demonstrations against, and critical analyses
of, Oslo.