Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: A nation blackmailed

Sunday, July 2, 2000 | 10:47 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

Israel is an ancient land that has been ruled by different governments and foreign countries for centuries. Modern Israel, little more than 50 years of age, is the only democratic nation in the Middle East. A democracy it is, but it continues to show the immaturity of its youth.

I have always enjoyed listening to the Israelis debating political issues when riding on their efficient bus system that covers the country. Five Israelis arguing over a political, social, economic or religious matter will most likely reflect at least six or more different opinions about all issues.

Very simply, Israel is a lively country with vibrant people willing to take chances to make progress. In half a century they have built and defended their miracle in the desert. Israel has the potential of becoming a beacon of peace and the leader in that troubled part of the world. This potential will only become a reality if it evolves into a political system that provides the stability needed to lead. Right now Israel's internal political instability is sapping its strength.

A few years ago Israel, for the first time, provided for the separate and direct election of the prime minister. Foolishly, the direct election of the legislators in the Knesset wasn't also made law. The very questionable practice of having a dozen or more political parties compete for legislative seats, and the candidates not individually facing the voters, has continued. This forces the prime minister to make deals with several opposing splinter groups for a coalition needed to form a government. Once the new government is formed any one or combination of parties bringing the coalition below half the number of 120 Knesset members can force a new election.

Recently, right in the middle of critical peace talks with the Palestinian Authority and Syria, the Shas Party pulled this stunt on Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Shas is an ultra-Orthodox political party that won 17 critical seats in the Knesset last year when Barak was elected by a landslide. Barak's One Israel Party won only 26 seats and therefore had to bring together Shas with other splinter parties to form a government.

What did the Shas want? More money for their religious schools and recognition and independence for their "bandit" religious radio stations. For more than 16 years the Shas have been draining the nation's treasury for their own use. At the same time, few of their members have been willing to enter the military during the time of crisis. Political blackmail has become a way of life for the ultra-Orthodox, who also make demands to determine who is or isn't a Jew according to their strict standards.

This time the Shas Party also forced the removal of two Meretz Party cabinet members. Their main target was Education Minister Yossi Sarid, who refused to give Shas millions of dollars for their debt-ridden religious schools. Sarid, a strong supporter of Barak's peace plans, resigned so the work toward peace could progress. A peace agreement means more to Sarid and the Meretz Party than does the honor of being a cabinet member.

So the Shas got what they wanted and Barak's government survived its first major internal crisis. But what will Shas or some other splinter party want six months from now? More of hard-earned tax dollars in one form or another? I don't know the answer but will bet that now Shas got their way this time there will be future attempts to extort the Barak government. This isn't the first or last time that an Israeli government has been blackmailed from within.

The time has arrived for Israelis to demand the right to vote for individual candidates and not just for a party. This latest shame cast upon a democratic nation should no longer be tolerated by a brave and industrious people.