The Israel that I meet every day is made up of people who want to forge a path towards peace and security.
I’m writing this not just as an opposition member of Israel’s parliament but also as a mother and young woman living under Benjamin Netanyahu’s regime. His lengthy tenure in government has left my generation disillusioned and devoid of hopes for a better future.
We refuse to give up and are striving to maintain Israel’s identity as a liberal democracy that values coexistence. Israel is in the midst of a terrible conflict, which began with the horrific slaughter on October 7. This conflict has lasted six long, hard months, claiming a high toll on human life. The only way to win this conflict is via diplomatic measures that restore peace in the Middle East. To that purpose, Israel and its inhabitants require the backing of the United States and the whole international community. Netanyahu’s administration, together with its hardline backers, lacks a coherent strategy for ending the conflict, which is leading to more bloodshed and isolation from the international world.
It is critical to recognize that this administration does not represent the majority of Israelis, as several opinion polls show. As a member of Israel’s Knesset, it is critical for me to meet and spend time with the people I serve. The Israel I encounter is much different from Netanyahu’s regime. Since the beginning of the conflict, I’ve encountered Arab-Jewish civil society organizations that embody this attitude, offering help to a wide range of groups. This is the real Israel. The vocal minority calling for the annihilation of Gaza is just that: a minority.
Netanyahu’s colleagues in the extreme right-wing cabinet want Israel to capture and populate the Gaza Strip. However, the general Israeli population seeks something different. They desire the opportunity to reconstruct their towns that have been decimated by Hamas bombings, as well as the return of their 133 abducted loved ones.
Furthermore, they do not want to see more death in Gaza; rather, they want to see the end of the homicidal terrorists that declared war on Israel and massacred us ruthlessly on that fateful day. They hope to see their boys return from the fight. They desire a calm environment in which to raise happy children. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in rallies demanding the return of the hostages and the removal of the administration.
Thousands of Israelis have gone to the streets, calling for rapid elections, a deal for the captives, and a more transparent government. We must not allow Netanyahu, who has been accused of criminal activity such as fraud, bribery, and breach of trust (he denies the allegations), has formed dangerous alliances with extremists, and has even attempted to turn Israel into a de facto dictatorship through his government’s controversial attempt to pass “judicial reform,” to dictate and divide our relationships. We must draw a clear separation between this radical regime and the people.
When asked if Israel is at risk of losing American support in the war, US Vice President Kamala Harris said that it is critical to distinguish between the Israeli government and its population, and she is entirely correct. The Israeli people, like the Palestinians, are entitled to security. Israeli civilians are the ones opposing Netanyahu’s tyranny; we are the ones holding him back right now. Without a doubt, Hamas’ vicious leaders are prepared to starve Gazans to death in order to destroy Israel and the Jewish people.
However, it is apparent that this conflict, which began in reaction to a horrible killing, has carried on without any discernible political or diplomatic success. The Israeli government’s insistence on deploying soldiers into this war, despite the lack of diplomatic objectives, appears to be motivated by a desire to avoid political instability and upcoming elections, as well as the prospect of electoral defeat.
With Netanyahu’s group suffering record low support ratings, they believe the next elections will signal the end of his reign in Israeli politics. Those who advocate for eternal strife appear to value power over life. Finally, fanatics cannot create the Middle East’s future. On both sides, there are decent people who aspire for a new world, one marked by wealth and security rather than conflict. My family moved to Israel from Morocco, driven by a desire to live in a country that prioritizes life.
Throughout our 2,000-year exile, we fantasized about this country, which was founded following the Holocaust, the most atrocious slaughter in human history. We envisioned a country where life is more valuable than land. Under Netanyahu and his associates, our wonderful country is losing its identity. When I put my little children into bed at night, I reflect on the nation I am fighting for and the country they deserve:
one of peace, security, and prosperity. And with strong American backing, I am certain that we will succeed. Netanyahu will collapse, as will the radicals. I have one appeal for the residents of the United States and the entire globe, particularly those of Jewish descent: do not desert us. Join us in our efforts to build a brighter tomorrow for both Israelis and Palestinians. A liberal-democratic administration is not a pipe dream but the desire of the people. Together, we can construct a road to peace and security that will meet the needs of everyone who lives in this region. Naama Lazimi is a Knesset member representing Israel’s Labor Party.
