Qōl lěMiZnā hū qōl lěŠarōn

Abstract

The Labor chair returned to the separation plan of Barak, which the prime minister has been carrying out energetically the last few months.

Just over a month ago, Mitzna appeared to offer a new hope to Israeli politics. He was even perceived by some as the potential Israeli de Gaulle. During all years of Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the Israeli political system has managed to generate only two alternatives: eternal negotiations while preserving the occupation and expanding settlements - the Oslo model of the Labor party, or slow elimination of the Palestinian people - Sharon’s model. The hope that many (including myself) attached to Mitzna was that a third alternative is possible as well, following the model of Lebanon - Immediate withdrawal of the territories that most Israelis are willing to evacuate (all of Gaza and about 90% of the West Bank), and opening serious negotiations over the rest.

But by now, it is obvious already that a vote for Mitzna is a vote for Sharon. Behind his back, Sharon and Ben-Eliezer are already planning the next unity government.