These are momentous days in Israel. Not only did the Jewish state mark Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Independence Day this week, but newly elected Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also announced the formation of a new coalition government.
This is not just any coalition. Under the umbrella of his Kadima party, Olmert has drawn together Labor, the Pensioners party and religious parties to form a Knesset majority of 67 seats, more than enough to ensure the work of the nation will be done.
Olmert’s cabinet includes 25 ministers, one of the largest in Israeli history. As observers have noted, several Cabinet ministers — among them Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Amir Peretz — bring relatively little experience to their portfolios. That may be so, yet Olmert’s determination to draw permanent borders, complete the separation barrier and withdraw from parts of the West Bank by 2010 will put the wind at his back.
Nothing ever seems to come easy for Israel. Just as Ariel Sharon consolidates political power, he is felled by a massive stroke. Just as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas started to carve a good working relationship with Israelis, Hamas wins the Palestinian elections, placing an openly hostile government within rocket distance of Jerusalem.
But with Olmert’s new government, we see plenty of reasons for optimism.
The country’s census reports that Israel’s population recently crossed the 7 million mark, more than eight times larger than it was 58 years ago.
Even the thorniest problem Israel faces — making peace with the Palestinians — made an inch of progress this week as Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal hinted at a possible future deal with Israel. Not that the man can be trusted, not that his conditions make sense, but for Hamas to talk peace, sincerely or not, is a change for the better.
Yes, existential threats to Israel’s survival do pose ongoing dangers. Yes, Israel still lacks a measure of respect she deserves from various corners of the global community. But perhaps more than ever before, Israel is master of its own destiny. Olmert has set the date to complete his plan, and with a majority of Israelis and the international Jewish community supporting him, we are betting on him to achieve his goal or come darn close.