Weekly Commentary: If That's What It Takes to Save the Nation

Dr. Aaron Lerner 4 November 2026
https://youtu.be/CG-_pdPOIlY

When the war broke out, Binyamin Netanyahu abandoned his iconic approach of kicking the can down the road and adopted a hands-on, maverick approach that saved the country.

That same boldness is now required in politics.

The boldness and willingness to sacrifice we ask of Netanyahu applies equally to every other actor in this drama.

Historically, those who served in elite units and willingly risked their physical lives to save Israel in battle have been far less willing to risk their political lives.

I am not in the back rooms, and I appreciate that the circumstances are particularly difficult. But he and the others must rise to the occasion, set aside their differences, and quickly, without delay, form a national unity government of the Zionist parties.

This means a government that does not include the Haredim. To my profound disappointment, their conduct since the war suggests that, in a national emergency, they remain locked into a framework that does not bend to the moment.

The kind of sacrifice Netanyahu may have to make is, indeed, being prime minister. On the battlefield he would sacrifice his life to save the country. It may be necessary for him to sacrifice being prime minister in order to save the country now.

At the same time, out of respect for the vote he received from Likud voters, he certainly should have an important role in such a national government. I would point out that there is a consensus that his skills as a minister of finance are head and shoulders above anyone else's.

The same sacrifice of the prime minister's slot may very well apply to others.

The political developments in the United States are a wake-up call.

The time to act is now.

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