Real Change: Lieberman as Foreign Minister

The Obama campaign in the United States focused on one word: Change. Obama touted a message of change from the old policies of Bush to the new opportunities and hopes of a new administration. While change took place, the national landscape looks pretty much the same.

Israel should brace itself, because real, dramatic change is at the doorstep. Benjamin Netanyahu is getting closer to taking the Prime Minister’s office back, and his changes will sweep through and re-define Israel, hopefully for the better.

After years of corruption, scandal, and two failed wars, the new cabinet is starting to form. Bibi and Avigdor Lieberman, head of the controversial Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) party, have set in motion a deal that will place Lieberman in charge of Israel’s diplomatic relations. Do not expect him to play nice with the neighbors.

But after such a long time trying to “play nice”, Israel has gotten no where. We are no closer to peace than when Kadima formed, I argue things are worse. The economy of Israel is being pulled down with the rest of the world. The borders are not stable, particularly the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. The Egypt-Israel peace is shaky. Even Jordan, our closest friend in the region, has cast recent doubts over Israel’s policies dealing with Gaza.

I wish Lieberman well in his new role. I hope he acts responsibly and carefully when working to better Israel. I sincerely believe he wants what is best for Israel from the bottom of his heart. My advice to Lieberman: Be careful to think through what you think is right for the country. What is really best and what you think is best might be in line, but they might be polar opposites as well.