Israel: Will elections resolve the current crisis?

Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Prime Minister, has called early elections a week after the collapse of his broad-based coalition government.

Mr Sharon asked President Moshe Katsav to dissolve parliament at a meeting on Tuesday after failing to rebuild a parliamentary majority.

Elections will take place at the beginning of February, in line with the law stipulating a 90-day run-up to the poll.

Both main parties, Likud and Labor, are scheduled to hold primary elections for the leadership before then.

Israelis now face a period of political uncertainty, with elections coinciding with a possible US-led war with Iraq.

Will elections resolve the current crisis? Who do you think would be the best leader for Israel?

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This Talking Point has now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

I don't think that many of us, Israeli Arabs, are going to vote. A landslide victory is assured to the Israeli right and the aggressive and oppressing nature of Israeli society is not the only one to blame for it. The stupid policies of both Arafat and Hamas leaders are equally responsible. It is incomprehensible to me why in 1999 Arafat should have rejected Barak's offer and led us into this bloodshed. We had no chance against their tanks. This is not to say that the peace of Barak has anything just and fair about it. Not at all. But clearly it was the maximum that Israel will ever be willing to give us.

Given the virtually nonexistent border of 1999 and insatiable Israeli drive for exploitation of cheap Palestinian labour it would be just a matter of time till refugees, allowed or not to do it legally, would have penetrated and settled in Israel. And who knows maybe in 10 years we would have just quietly outvoted Israelis in the next elections bringing peaceful unification of both countries, of Israel and the new Palestinian state.
Nabil, Haifa, Israel

Both sides have to learn that a truly democratic solution operated within the framework of law is necessary

Vernon Moyse, UK

Both sides have to learn that a truly democratic solution operated within the framework of law is necessary. Israel has the basics of democracy, but does not operate according to international law including human rights legislation and the provisions of the Geneva convention. The Palestinians are desperate and behave as outrageously as Israel's Irgun once did. Sharon has made the USA, Israel's backer, look completely biased and immoral in respect of its propagation of international law. The USA looks "moral" in respect of Iraq, but its unconditional backing of Israel undermines its entire foreign policy.
Vernon Moyse, UK

Netanyahu and Sharon have taken steps in the past, that have sent wrong signals to the Palestinians, so either of them are not going to be of any help to the peace process. Israeli-Palestinian issue is currently in a very ominous condition, with no torch bearers for peace. Arafat has lost his power to run his own people and also lost trust among international community. Israel is more likely to elect an aggressive leader, who would not be reluctant to use force and aggression against Palestinians, whenever needed. Also, the US under the leadership of George Bush unlike in the past, has shown little interest to act as a formidable liaison, and no other country is Europe appears like a potential middle man. I don't think elections and even a new Israeli leader will be of any great significance for the peace process, because the peace process in not only falling apart from Israeli side, but also from all other sides.
Kiran Bharthapudi, IL, USA

I am very afraid of the consequences if Netanyahu is elected. It's obvious that Sharon has not done anything to resolve the economic and security issues facing Israel and the Israelis want a change. With his stance towards Palestine, and his blunt statement of not advocating a Palestinian state, Netanyahu will undo whatever little progress has been made towards peace.
TJ, USA

The last thing Israel needs is a left-wing leader. A left-wing leader would destroy Israel and open it up to a new wave of terrorism. I hope Netanyahu becomes PM because he knows how these Arab countries work. Groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad will always be against Israel and the most liberal government would still have terrorism. Netanyahu - man of the future.
Vinnie Sigel, Patterson, USA

A military response to the conflict cannot last forever

Gideon F, UK

The Israeli people genuinely desire peace. The Israeli government has swung from left to right and back again so many times in the last few years. Israel has tried every approach to achieve peace, from their unprecedentedly generous peace offering at Camp David to militarily trying to destroy Palestinian terrorism. My fear is that the Israeli electorate, in their desperation for an end to terror on their streets, will elect a right-wing government, as military means have proved more effective than negotiation at stopping terrorist attacks. Nevertheles a military response to the conflict cannot last forever, and I hope that the Palestinians move for peace before a right-wing Israeli government gives up on them as a peace partner for the foreseeable future.
Gideon F, UK

What difference does it make who wins. The game is played according to plan. US tax dollars, against the wishes of ordinary Americans, to the rescue of Israel, Israeli military supremacy, Israeli fiscal bankruptcy, Palestinian population uprooting, and daily world news on Israel. Any other discussion is hot air.
JP, USA

Neither Sharon nor Netanyahu can provide peace to Israel and Palestine, the only solution is a deployment of UN forces. The Western governments aren't willing to be involved in this conflict because there is no gain for them, unlike Iraq which has oil resources.
Zulfi, India

Many of those who advocate removing Sharon because of his alleged bloody past and/or perceived current stubbornness do not extend that same sentiment to Arafat who has at least as much of a history not to mention stubbornness. Also, all those who call for Peres to be elected - you really should get to know at least the basics of the issues involved such as the fact that Peres isn't even running.
Jan Willem, Netherlands

Yes it is time for new elections. It is time to rid the Knesset of the left-wing parties that want to destroy Israel. Hopefully, Sharon not Netanyahu, will re-emerge with an even greater and stronger coalition than before and continue to lead Israel, in the way he has done until now.
Moshe, Israel

Finally, if Sharon goes, peace will come.
Rabih, Lebanon

Netanhayu will give nothing to the Palestinians

Katerina, UK

Rabih, it depends very much who replaces Sharon (assuming he goes) as to whether "peace" will come or who will benefit from it... if Netanhayu is elected in, his idea of peace may satisfy Israeli hardliners, but certainly will give nothing to the Palestinians; having moved further to the right since his last stab at PM, he has made it clear that he does not support the concept of a Palestinian state; peace for whom?
Katerina, UK

This is a great chance to improve situations in Palestine. Sharon will have to go but the true question is who'll be his replacement? Does a good one really exist?
Sandra R, Australia

The only solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict is two states for two peoples - a Jewish state in Israel and a Palestinian state in Jordan. Israel should pay compensation to the 3 million Palestinians who will be relocated, and the Arabs should compensate the 700,000 Jews they expelled in 1948. Only when the two peoples are no longer living near each other will there be peace.
Altalena, Israel

Labor deserves another chance

Marwan, Canada

Swapping one hardliner for another will not solve the current situation. Sharon's tactics are harsh and Netanyahu's are even harsher. There has never been progress with a Likud party in power. Labor deserves another chance. Israel is currently under a right wing government, why go more right when this direction is opposite that of peace?
Marwan, Canada

To: Canadian Marwan: You said that there was never any progress with the Likud party in office. That is technically true, but its ideological predecessor, Herut, headed by the late Menachem Begin, led the first successful Israeli-Arab peace accord, i.e., the one between Israel and Egypt. So I would not look on so glumly - maybe a hardliner-only government will be even harder-pressed not to look too extreme, and will eventually bring peace to our troubled homeland.
Klil, Israel

Nothing will change. Jewish settlements will still be built. Palestinian refugees will still not be allowed back to their homes in Israel. There will still be conflict until these two things are settled.
Bilal Patel, London, UK

I do not think that elections are going to change much, which is sad. No matter who controls Israel or Palestine, both sides have so much hatred for one another that it is going take a miracle to get them to agree on peace. Hatred and violence only beget more hatred and violence. Both Palestinians and Israelis need to realise this if they want to truly have peace with one another. For a start, Israel should stop expanding settlements, and Arafat should clamp down groups like Hamas which terrorise Israeli civilians.
Ali Chaudrey, USA

I hope by the time my brother gets to the front line, a less hardline leader will be in charge

Laura Cohen, Belgium

Elections may come at the right time. Israel is going through an economic lull and has a tarnished world image. It is time for a more pacifist and better constructed government to change what appears to be a terrible situation, both for Israelis and Palestinians. My brother has just joined the army and I hope by the time he gets to the front line, a possible less hardline leader will be the country's new PM. One can only hope and pray.
Laura Cohen, Belgium

The people of Israel would do well to consider that, under Ariel Sharon, their country has undergone the bloodiest period ever in its recent history and that the continuing outrages perpetrated by both sides in this struggle have been provoked to the most extreme degree by his leadership and his decisions. If anyone in Israel believes that this cycle of violence will somehow be stemmed by this fanatic when his leadership is augmented by an even more extreme right wing group of cronies, then they are sadly deluded. If Sharon is re-elected, I fear greatly for both sides of people in this conflict.
Jeremy, Oxford, UK

People power! Whoever wins, it is great to see democracy in action. I believe that peace will only come to the Middle East when the people of all Arab states elect their leaders too, instead of being repressed.
Victor, UK

The Israelis must realise that electing aggressive right wingers makes them less secure, not more so. It is like trying to put out fire with petrol - being a very intelligent people they should have realised this already, but anger makes us blind.
Jonathan Kerr, UK

Sharon desires a just peace, and should remain prime minister

Aviv, USA

I think that a new election is desirable, if only to strengthen Sharon's coalition. Contrary to the charges of many here, Sharon is not a violator of human rights any more than Bush is, he is defending Israel by means that are perfectly legal, according to international law. Anyone who thinks otherwise should complain about Bush's handling of the war on terrorism, which receives very little international criticism. And simply because Sharon won't accept peace on ANY terms does not mean that he doesn't desire peace, unlike some confused Israelis. Sharon desires a just peace, and should remain prime minister.
Aviv, USA

Aviv, perhaps if you looked a bit harder then you would see that Bush's war on terrorism has received and continues to receive much criticism. Also, this whole idea of not accepting peace on any terms is at best misguided. Using violence because you don't like the current terms of peace is not trying to find peace, it is war, plain and simple. Sharon is a violator of human rights with his war against the Palestinians, if you want to compare Bush to him and if that makes him a violator of human rights too, then so be it.
Lucy, UK

Israel is a democracy: let them decide whenever they want to change their leaders. Who is anyone else to interfere?
Eduardo, Netherlands

I agree with Eduardo, Netherlands: Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. It's the only country in the Middle East that does not repress its own people.
Joe, USA

Perhaps Eduardo and Joe should examine exactly what sort of a democracy Israel is, when ultra right-wing religious fundamentalists regularly call the shots. Moreover, the USA seems perfectly willing to interfere with Arafat's right to leadership, and his democratic mandate is far clearer than that of Sharon. The USA should show even handedness, and demand wholesale reform of the Israeli constitution.
Jon E, France

This looks like the beginning of a disaster. Nothing could be worse for the world than a religious radical dominated Israel.
Joe Marietta, USA

I am an Israeli and believe strongly that Ariel Sharon should be tried by the International Court for crimes against humanity. Shimon Peres can bring about change by God's grace.
Ted, USA

The current leader Sharon is doing more than his best for his country

Anderson Emmy, Nigeria

There is no need looking for a new leader of Israel, the current leader Sharon is doing more than best for his country and I believe he is the right man for the job.
Anderson Emmy, Nigeria

It is time for new leadership on both sides. The current move of Sharon to form an ultra-rightwing cabinet only spells disaster.
T, Vdberg, Netherlands

Instead of elections, they should hold a referendum whether Sharon can remain a Prime Minister. If he gets more than 75% he should continue and he would have a solid approval and backing from the people of Israel. The current situation provides a beautiful opportunity for both the Palestinians and Israelis. Arafat will also realise that Sharon has full public support and that he cannot be shaken by other parties. Sharon can use this opportunity to show the world that he can establish peace and have the honour of a name change from hawk to dove.
John Henry, Singapore

That Sharon is choosing even more right wing extremist hardliners shows the world precisely how little he cares for peace.
Anon, UK

Benjamin Netanyahu is the only one who can really fight terrorism

James, U.S.A

Hopefully the Israeli electorate will not back down from this struggle against terrorism, and courageously elect Benjamin Netanyahu in the next elections. He is the only one who can really fight terrorism, as he understands the truly worldly dimensions of this conflict and the aspirations of the Jewish people for a homeland.
James, U.S.A

Early elections are clearly not good for Israel. The economic situation is bad and elections will make it worse. Further, in light of the Palestinian terrorism there is no chance of a political change. Hence, what's the point of early elections?
Shaul Cohen, Canada

Israel and the Middle East deserve better leaders

Susan R, USA

Israel and the Middle East deserve better leaders. Mr Sharon has kept Arafat in power by his misguided policies. I hope the people of Israel find a leader of wisdom and courage who can say no to the strident ultraconservatives and offer all the people of the area an alternative that recognizes common needs. If the head of Israel offered the Palestinians a plan for better lives for themselves and their children, the region would have chance for peace. This is not possible while Palestinians see their homes destroyed and their water diverted for new settlements.
Susan R, USA

Israel is a democracy, I wish the same could be said about the other nations in the Middle East. Elections in Israel apparently have a track record of being truly democratic yet we talk as if the people of the nation of Israel have no democratic representation - and we seem to rush to lay blame at their feet for the problems in the region. Nothing new there I guess.
Peter, Boston, USA

Some comments on this board: "Shimon Peres is my favourite as leader of Israel. He got the Nobel Peace Prize for peace with the Palestinians." "I hope Shimon Peres is elected as he is a person with the ability to reach for political solutions, having shown magnanimity in the past." Hmm...he was Prime Minister in 1995 and 1996, what'd Israel get? A wave of suicide bombings that left nearly 100 Israeli civilians dead and rockets landing in northern Israel from Lebanon. "Finally, if Sharon goes, peace will come." Someone seems to be forgetting that this Intifada started when Barak, not Sharon was PM of Israel, and the country was headed by the Labour Party not the Likud.
Ben Rodkin, USA

The only true hope for peace in Israel is an Israeli and a Palestinian state side by side. Settlements must freeze in the West Bank and the only party that I believe will truly adhere to the Oslo Accords is the Labour Party. Unfortunately, the next leader of Israel will probably be Netanyahu, and the prospects for peace under his leadership would appear slim.
Emmanuel Vita, NYC, USA

Sharon and Arafat complement each other perfectly. It is naive to consider that the departure of Sharon alone will change anything. If Palestinians embraced a Ghandi-like leader rather than a terrorist leader, Israel's leadership would change favourably as well. Then peace would have a chance.
Peter, Canada

The Middle East has seen enough Palestinian suicide bombings and hawkish Israeli reprisals to last a lifetime. It's time to get back to the round table. And "leaders" on either side who stand in the way should be cast aside quickly and convincingly.
Ganesan Alagappan, Singapore

The next Israeli government is likely to be much more hard-line than this one

Ari, USA

If new elections are held, the right and far right will make very substantial gains. The next Israeli government is likely to be much more hard-line than this one. This is Israel's decision to make. Who are we to dictate to the citizens of a sovereign nation how to conduct their affairs?
Ari, USA

If Sharon goes then peace will come? He wasn't the prime minister for the past 50 years and where was peace then?
C. Rob, US

Mr Peres is perhaps better suited for the job

Karina, Australia

For peace in Israel and the Middle East Sharon and his Likud government need to go. Mr Peres is perhaps better suited for the job, it needs diplomacy and tact which Mr Sharon has shown none of. Giving more money to the settlers and depriving the security of people's lives economically and socially is not going to solve Israel's problems.
Karina, Australia

Nearly everything Ariel Sharon has done since assuming office has lessened prospects for peace. This is in direct contrast to the Labor leaders before him, Rabin and Barak, whose efforts aimed at meaningful dialogue with the Palestinian people. Labor and Meretz need to get in gear as a viable opposition force, and present themselves as a voice for peace, against the indiscriminate violence of Sharon's regime. Only then will we be able to talk about peace and thereby stop giving Palestinian extremists the credibility and sympathy that comes from being "victims" of Israel's "occupation."
Ethan, USA

A golden opportunity for the Israelis to elect a real " Man of Peace".
Fikry Salib, USA

Israeli politics has been in the thrall of the ultra-right for too long

Mark Roberts, England

We need a left wing leader that is going to put the disastrous Sharon "unity" in opposition for years. Sharon started the intifada. With him gone, there is hope for an agreed peace. Israeli politics has been in the thrall of the ultra-right for too long.
Mark Roberts, England

All I know is that Sharon is no better for peace than Arafat. Looks like both sides will be doing some reforms and holding some elections. Let us pray for the best leaders willing to sacrifice as much in a constructive manner, as has been sacrificed in the name of destruction and suicide.
Musa, USA

The Prime Minister should call for immediate elections (in 90 days.) He is in his strongest position now to win his party's primary, and to utterly crush the left in general elections.
Joseph, USA

Shimon Peres is my favourite as leader of Israel

Sam Gabriel, USA

Shimon Peres is my favourite as leader of Israel. He got the Nobel Peace Prize for peace with the Palestinians. I'm glad Labour is taking a stand against giving money to the settlements.
Sam Gabriel, USA

After two years of non-stop violence against Israelis of all faiths, it is up to the Palestinians to stop terrorist attacks; build a viable democracy; and negotiate in earnest. Once that happens, it will indeed be time for Israelis to concentrate on social issues. Until then, however, there are dead Israeli teenage girls to bury and teenage girls to protect.
Inna Tysoe, Sacramento, California, USA

How short is everyone's memory? The reason that Sharon got to power was because the Oslo accord was rejected. Faced with the intifada when both Peres and Arafat had gone further than they realistically could, a hard line Israeli government was inevitable. The truth is that Arafat cannot control the young Palestinians and it is a waste of time to negotiate with someone if they do not hold effective power. Trading parts of the 1948 Israeli land for the settlements might be a start.
Colin Bibby, Peru

It is time for a new leader who can sit down and negotiate with people as equal human being and not by force. Let's not forget what this butcher Ariel Sharon has done over the last 25 years. We need peace and justice more than ever for all people.
Walid, USA

Mr Sharon isn't the right person

Inge, USA

Israel needs a leader who truly wants to make peace with the Palestinians. Mr Sharon isn't the right person. Mr Peres might be better suited to establish a meaningful dialogue with Mr Arafat.
Inge, USA

Sharon lacks political acumen and we have seen it all. It is time general elections are held. I hope Shimon Peres is elected as he is a person with the ability to reach for political solutions, having shown magnanimity in the past.
Khalid Rahim, Canada

Labour's departure from the Sharon government is long overdue. I support Amram Mitzna for Prime Minister. If selected he has pledged that he would lead Israel out of the occupied territories now and re-open peace negotiations.
Lawrie Nerva, England

He has nothing but war on his resume

Gregg Robert, USA

New elections at least offer the hope of an Israel without Sharon. He has nothing but war on his resume. Israel needs another Rabin who can take a realistic approach towards the peace process. There will never be any movement towards peace with Sharon.
Gregg Robert, USA

Yes - it is time for a new leader in Israel. They need a leader who is strong enough to combat terrorism and strong enough to implement a real peace plan. Sharon was one of the few hawks with enough standing to tell the settlers to get off the land that drives the Palestinians crazy. Perhaps the next leader will have the courage to impose peace with the Palestinians and stop the terrorists.
Mike Krystowiak, USA

This will be the downfall of the Israeli state, when the Labor party resigns and the right wing maniacs receive a strengthening of the intifada which will cause chaos for the Israelis and more urgent peace negotiations will set in to halt the violence. If however Netanyahu gets into power then Lord have mercy.
Simon Cohen, Florida, USA