I had no idea Lieberman wanted a universal draft. Those on your blog have been totally silent on it. Why?

He wants it for the wrong reason. It would lead where he wants only with lock step boots. I do not believe the people of Israel, overall, could sustain that very long. A draft would ultimately defeat Lieberman. But one must have faith in all your naturally born citizens–all of them.

Did I miss something, Haim ? I was talking about Israel’s Palestinian citizens, and not West Bank or Gaza Strip Palestinians… Or did you mean to say that you believe that as part of a 2-state solution, those Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin ought to move out or that their areas ought to be handed over to Palestinian sovereignty, where possible? Because unless you’re proposing that, I don’t see how you plan to keep that “large Jewish majority” of yours say, 100 years (if not 50) down the road? I’m sorry, I ask again because you didn’t answer my question. Maybe you’ve discussed it elsewhere on this blog already, if so, I would appreciate a link , if possible. Thanks.

“Your own country is a textbook case of how a society can decay when changing demographics are not accommodated by the political structure. We want to avoid that here.”

Well, tell you what. Better that you wouldn’t take my country as an example, because if my country is an example of anything, it’s the fact that such pathetic sect/ethnicity/religion-based models are ALL a recipe of disaster, regardless of whether or not they are adjusted every 5 years or so to maintain a Jewish or a Sunni or a Christian majority. You are learning all the wrong lessons from my country. It is not the fact that the sectarian model failed to accommodate changing demographics in Lebanon that was the recipe for disaster. It was the fact that such a model existed to begin with. And, things will keep on repeating themselves until 1) a non-sectarian/non-racialist/non-racist, truly democratic model is adopted; or 2) the demographic tides turn against the previously majority group or groups. And believe me , when that happens, it won’t be a pretty sight. Not here in Lebanon , not in Israel. You think it can’t happen to Jews because the world can’t let it happen? Go ahead and think that. I just don’t think it’s such a great idea to bet against the forces of nature.

In the long run, the left needs parties like Tnuah-Yeruka-Meimad which can reach out to traditional voters (and most polls show that the vast majority of Israelis are neither Orthodox or Secular rather traditional) and the many young voters who basically no longer are interested in the peace process as much as their elders- mostly because they’ve been disapointed by it too many times (and it doesn’t really matter whose fault that is).

Kobi Oz, a well known singer just came out for Tnuah-Yeruka-Meimad. What’s interesting is his reasoning- both supporting green issues and wanting more Jewish content in education and in general without religious coercion. I think he speaks for a lot of young people.

In the seventies, Shulamit Aloni (who until then was a member of the Labor Party) understood that voters were no longer interested in the degrees of Socialism of the various leftist parties, founded Ratz, which supported a new list of issues ignoring old leftist arguments. Ratz started small, but eventually evolved into decent size Meretz. Now Tnuah-Yeruka-Meimad has the chance to do the same thing- emphasize new issues that have a chance of bringing the public back to the left.

This outsider is very worried. I would affirm with David Grossman that a person is the focus of value and protection. No matter how many Arabs are ultimately placed in a Palestinian State, some Arabs will remain in Israel, being citizens therein–else, in your homeland, occupation will continue. To focus on the creation of an Arab State while ignoring those Arabs born in your land is self deciet.

The only way I see to retain the character of a Jewish State is to act for internal justice now and forever, in the spirit, using the texts, of Diaspora since Temple’s last raising. If these ideas can enter your political and legal culture, then, regardless of later demographics, you will have preserved. A very path of painful possibility, I realize–but, I ask, how do you otherwise distinguish between the deportation of unwanted race and the inherant nationalism behind the logic of a two state solution.

I would not consider a one state solution; but that is far different than imagining Israeli Arabs will cease to exist. You seem worried about a bifurcating social structure–so the Lebanon reference; I claim the best, perhaps only, way to avoid this is is to individualize Israeli justice now: approach your Arab citizens. Or deport them. This is the terror of living other. A two state solution buys time to augment development in both lands. And BOTH lands need development. Time we all need. If it can be divorced from slaughter.

I do not write for a reply. Just to present the logic.

Sorry you thought I was being glib. Perhaps you are so disillusioned with Israeli politics that you can’t that we’re actually quite sincere and believe what I wrote. I am neither a politician nor do I have any vested interests (although I do have friends running for office).

I do understand your bottom line: Leiberman(ism) is Israel’s biggest threat. Your argument is that the best response is that the left must unite under the three existing parties to fight his fascism (though you are admittedly not keen on any of them).

I can only repeat: The Greens-Meimad are pushing a different vision – one that you don’t agree with – as the best way of combatting multiple ills (the intolerance and racism of Leiberman et al included) in Israeli society. Our agenda is much broader than you portray – perhaps due to a poor commercial, improper ordering of our goals and your narrow take on the green agenda.

So be it. I can assure you that on every front where Leiberman and his ideas surface, the Green Movement-Meimad will be in the front ranks opposing him (in many venues we already have been). But the alternatives – Meretz and Labor – had their moment. If there weren’t more exciting alternatives (in my eyes), I would also go with one of them.

There are many other points to make (about the potential for Israel to become a global leader of green technologies, the importance of a Judaism in formulating our ethical code, whether or not we have other crises worthy of political representation) but we can continue that elsewhere at a different time.

Thank you for your insights (I’m being honest, not “glib”) and good luck.