In an op-ed published in ynet, Avi Shilon discusses the concept of Israeli democracy and the importance of the power rotation mechanism. According to the author, public discourse tends to focus heavily on minority rights and the power of the judicial system, while often neglecting the essential need for citizens to change the government, which is a critical component for the effectiveness of a modern democracy. Shilon addresses the current political reality in Israel ahead of the 2026 elections, noting that current polls do not provide any bloc with clear governing stability.
In this context, he examines the possibility of forming a unity government as a solution to national crises, while comparing it historically to previous unity governments, such as those formed ahead of the Six-Day War or in the 1980s, which dealt with economic and security crises. However, Shilon's position is that in the current period, a unity government could pose an obstacle to necessary deep reform, as it might lead to political stagnation and drift, similar to previous experiences with coalition governments lacking clear overarching goals.
Furthermore, the author emphasizes that for the Likud party, which has been in power for an extended period, moving to the opposition could be a positive opportunity. According to him, sitting outside the centers of power could allow the party to foster new leadership and consolidate a modern right-wing vision for the 21st century that extends beyond a singular focus on the figure of Benjamin Netanyahu. In summary, Shilon presents the replacement of power not merely as a political-partisan tool, but as a vital national necessity for the proper functioning of systems in Israel.