They gave a voice to the millions of Israelis who want a negotiated separation from the Palestinians and are also fed up with the disproportionate influence of the ultra orthodox on society. And so begin the negotiations to form a coalition that can take up to six weeks to finalize. Either way, the process will be distracting and exhausting, and if he is convicted then an election is a foregone conclusion. More than a million Israelis voted for Blue and White, a smashing endorsement for change and a shot across the Likud bow. — Vivian Bercovici is Canada’s former ambassador to Israel.

Source: National Post April 12, 2019 20:03 UTC