Israeli Elections

I am not sure what to say about the Israeli Elections. I am happy with Labor's result although of course I had hoped they would win.

While I am happy that Israeli Right is leading a withdrawal of the West Bank, I am worried that it will be without the consulation of the Palestinian democratical elected government. Following closely to the new security wall.

The security wall was chosen to not go along the 1967 borders, but rather intersecting large portions of Palestinian Land and cutting their state into a patchwork of land.

A one sided withdrawal will surely result not in a full leaving of foreign territory, but rather a small withdrawal with settlers keeping many establish illegal settlements and a patchwork of Palestinian Control.

A reality exaserbated by the Hamas win. Which I discussed here.

In short, a one-sided withdrawl seems bad. Although Israel withdrawling from the Occupied Territories is such an important step in the right direction it cannot be minimized.

I guess we must just hope and pray, a just and true peace will result.

For the Political wanks, more below on the election.

Haaretz has this:

With 99.5 percent of the vote counted, Kadima had a less than expected 28 seats. Labor held at 20 seats, and Shas rose to 13, making the Sephardi ultra-Orthodox party the third largest faction in the Knesset.

...The Likud had hoped to block a center-left coalition, but with almost all of the votes in weakened to 11 seats, far below the figures the party had hoped and a far cry from the 38 seats it won under Ariel Sharon in 2003.

Haaretz has this analysis:

Israel's next government will look as follows: Its nucleus will constitute Kadima and the Labor Party, who amassed between 50 to 52 Knesset seats. This government will be an Olmert-Peretz government in which Peretz will be the strongman.

Peretz will demand a senior portfolio - apparently the finance ministry - but may also be ready to settle for the defense portfolio on condition that he is guaranteed passage of his economic policies as well as veto rights for the state's next budget.

United Torah Judaism and the Pensioners will almost certainly join Kadima and Labor, thus ensuring a stable government with the backing of 66-67 Knesset members.

Waiting in the wings are Meretz - which is just itching to be part of the government although it is doubtful Olmert will invite Yossi Beilin's faction since it will likely support the government from without - and Shas.

On the orders of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Shas must - simply must! - join the government.