March 2009

Dear friends of Israel:

The eagerly expected elections in Israel have not brought about any decisive results. Although the right-wing bloc clearly gained more votes, thanks to the success of Avigdor Lieberman's party and the Likud, the latter under the leadership of Benyamin Netanyahu will have one Knesset seat less than the governing Kadima faction under Tzipi LIvni. This is the reason why there might be a longer sparring over who will form a new government. However, after the results of the election were published, it has become obvious that Israel's next government will probably more right-wing and nationalist than the recent one. In the light of the latest war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip such a result was to be expected. Therefore the majority of political observers have predicted that the Likud under Benyamin Netanyahu will form the next government. Right now it is no longer sure that these predictions will be proved right.

There are many points in favor of a national-unity government because it might be the best solution in view of the many threats that Israel has to face. Whoever might lead the new government, its configuration will be affected by the threats represented by Hamas, Iran and other dangers from the Arab and Islamic world. Of course the relationship with the United States, the EU and the rest of the world will also be of importance. However, it is obvious that the daily barrage of Southern Israel with rockets from Gaza is a more pressing problem that has to be finally solved. It is interesting to note that the residents of the regions under constant fire have predominantly voted for the right-wing parties.

Israel's next government will face the challenge of finding an adequate response to the eight-year long threat from Gaza and the impending danger from Iran. It is also clear that these challenges cannot be met single-handedly. This is why an extremely right-wing government cannot be in Netanyahu's interest, as his major concerns are negotiations with the Palestinians and a good relationship with the United States. In the light of these developments a center-right government of national unity is probably be the best way of handling these problems. However, the election result is also a clear message that the Israeli population has conveyed to Hamas and the Palestinians: The mutual contacts will now be governed by stricter "rules of the game".

Anyway, when we realize that God has everything under control, even the results of elections, we can look calmly forward to the future.

Sharing with you the confidence in Him who leads the destiny of all mankind and who carries out His will I send you a warm Shalom from Haifa.

Fredi Winkler