Bennett benedictions

Regarding “Bennett to be sworn in, ending Netanyahu’s reign” (June 13), the consensus of your paper’s columnists, editorialists and pundits regarding the newly minted coalition is clear: hope for the best but expect the worst. Which, of course, makes perfect sense considering the divergent components that were cobbled together in order to avoid another election. What’s odd, though, is that very little is being said about the qualifications of the man who will get things underway at the top; Naftali Bennett does not exactly have an inspiring track record.

I can’t help but wonder why former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu – a master at political strategy – did not play the “3 a.m. call” card that both he and Ehud Barak used during their respective campaigns against Tzipi Livni. Bennett, not too long ago, was for the most part exiled from the political theater. His return has been with a limp rather than a roar, and he has reached the pinnacle only because of an electoral system that is in dire need of an overhaul. In the event of an international crisis, would any of the G7 leaders be ready to call Bennett in the middle of the night, confident that he has the skill, knowledge and ability to put into action and coordinate Israel’s resources quickly and efficiently? Time will tell (or, hopefully, not), but I have some doubts.

Bennett is a decent, bright and honest individual who may in fact have the potential for national leadership. But he is not without warts. His zigzagging during the Gaza uprising was more than a little troubling, and that he can forgive himself for having broken promises to those who voted for him will have consequences. For now, though, I am less concerned with his personality as a politician than with his ability to keep Israel safe, and that he will know what to do if and when “the call” comes.

BARRY NEWMAN

Ginot Shomron

Naftali Bennett was sworn in as the premier of the State of Israel on Sunday, a historic moment for many reasons, but I want to look at one of the reasons that seems to have been overlooked by the media.

For the first time, someone whose parents were born and raised in the United States will be in the highest position in the Israeli government.

I believe this will be an historic moment for the relations between Israel and the Jews of the United States. It hopefully will be an historic opportunity to change the negative direction of this relationship.

For the first time there is a family and very strong cultural connection between a leader of Israel and the Jews of the United States. I hope that all of us, regardless of our political viewpoints, take advantage of this new opportunity.

PROFESSOR YITZHAK IRVING KALET

Haifa

How many people will spend the next few weeks in consternation, apprehension and maybe even trembling – thinking to themselves, “Who will look after us now ? Here in the country – and abroad – who will stand strong in the face of the diplomatic pressures that are always being arraigned against us?

For about 30% of the adult population, no other leader has occupied the “throne” and made us feel safe. It may be that the efforts of no man are fully appreciated until he ceases to do them.

LAURENCE BECKER

Jerusalem

How much longer will the parties now in opposition status in the Knesset continue to rail and rant against the incoming government?

Great leaders should respect others and inspire them to reach heights otherwise unattainable. They are motivated by ideals, not by personal ambition. They do not succumb to the arrogance of power (C.S.

Lewis, as quoted by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks).

Not only am I devastated by the words of the Likud and haredi leaders but I just think back to what happened 2,000 years ago. Sinat hinam (baseless hatred) is what I feel we are hearing now – and we should always remember what the result was the last time...

These parties should go into opposition with honor and work towards accepting their (self-inspired) failure rather than ranting and raving and prolonging the feeling of “us and them.” We are one people and I, for one, would like to see all the politicians working toward maintaining this and not perpetuating the “fact” that one section of society is better than the other.

MICHAEL BRODY Jerusalem

Who needs worldwide promoters of antisemitism when the leaders of the haredi parties were so unprecedented in their ferocity? (“Bennett’s an evil wicked Reform Jew,” June 9) They do a good job just on their own! Do they not adhere to not judging others? Only Hashem can do that.

To insult Naftali Bennett for trying to bring a unity government to fruition is a disgrace. I know little about politics, but wish him luck in his endeavors. He is struggling to unite Israel as a nation, catering to all needs but stipulating that no changes will be made unless everybody in the government agrees!

It all seems very sensible, and what has been needed for a very long time.

JOY COLLINS Tel Mond