Sharon’s devastating stroke and subsequent coma has left acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, like much of Israel, in limbo. I acknowledge the difficult position Olmert is in. As Sharon has not yet been declared incapacitated, it would be inappropriate from Olmert to bury him politically and take charge. But this is no excuse for his utter lack of leadership.
Surely one of his first acts as acting Prime Minister should have been to call a press conference and try addresses the anxieties of the Israeli nation. He needed to make it clear to everyone that he hopes and prays for Sharon’s recovery, but at the same time, recognizing the seriousness of Sharon’s medical condition will now lead the country until the elections. Olmert should then have spelt out what exactly his leadership will entail. Would not a photo of Olmert flanked by the leading lights of Kadima from Shaul Mofaz to Shimon Peres have gone a long way to quell the unabating speculation in both the Israeli and international media that Kadima will disintegrate? Yet the only image we have is of Olmert sitting next to Sharon’s empty chair in the cabinet meeting looking lost, even helpless, without his political master.
Not only was a press conference necessary to subdue the fears of Israelis, but also to warn Israel’s enemies not to take advantage of the situation. Israel’s enemies from the leader of Iran to the commanders of Palestinian terrorist groups have all celebrated Sharon’s stroke as if it was their own personal military victories. Olmert should have made it clear that with or without Sharon Israel will be relenting in its fight against terrorism. He should have warned Iran that a military strike is not off the table and explained to Palestinian terrorists that large scale military incursions into Gaza will be ordered if the rocket fire does not cease.
Finally he should have called a press conference to allay the concerns of many of Israel’s allies that with Sharon’s departure has gone the hope for progress on the Israeli-Palestinian front. He should make it clear that he, like Sharon, has endorsed the roadmap, that he supports a 2 state solution, and that he is prepared to make painful sacrifices to achieve this. He should also have made it clear to the international community that Israel has always been a partner and will continue to be a partner. The only obstacle to a settlement is Chairman Abbas’ refusal to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure as required by the roadmap.
But Olmert has remained largely silent, shunning the responsibilities of an acting Prime Minister and continuing to act as if he were only the Finance Minister. (It was reported on Haaretz tonight that his schedule for the next few days deals solely with economic issues such as trying to pass the budget). If he does not begin to starting acting like a leader, others such as Bibi Netanyahu or Shimon Peres will be only to happy to fill the role.
I think you too harsh on Olmert. He is under tremendous pressure. Most reports have said he has been doing well and the latest polls show kadima will win 44 seats.
Posted by: Jodi | January 11, 2006 at 20:56
I saw those polls tonight. I think that they reflect public sympathetic for Kadima as a result of Sharon stroke. I do not believe they represent how the country views Olmert. Netanyahu is an extremely charismatic and sly politician. Olmert needs to neutralize him as much as possible by showing he is in charge.
However it seems that Bibi not Olmert is leading the campaign in the Knesset to pass the 2006 budget. If it passes as a result of Bibi’s efforts Israelis will surely view him as the more powerful leader. The next few years are extremely dangerous for Israel. Iran is a growing threat; the continuing collapse of the PA and a powerful Hizbolah. Despite the fact that Bibi is more right wing than most Israelis, they will choose him if they believe he is more capable of handling this future danger.
Posted by: mike | January 11, 2006 at 22:47