Zionism debate at heart of bitter Israeli vote

https://news.yahoo.com/zionism-debate-heart-bitter-israeli-vote-211821522.html

JERUSALEM (AP) — What is Zionism? The ideological question, rooted in the 19th century, has gained surprising urgency in an Israeli election campaign that seems more open than had been expected.

Seeking to take votes from the nationalistic right of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the relatively liberal opposition has rebranded itself as the Zionist Union — sparking a debate about a concept that some considered resolved when the Jewish state was declared and widely recognized in 1948.

Since adopting the name in early December, Isaac Herzog's Labor Party — bolstered by a smaller grouping led by former opposition leader Tsipi Livni — has surged in the polls. They are now running neck-and-neck in the polls with Netanyahu's Likud.

The debate over who best reflects the ideals of Zionism — and who can most credibly lay claim to its successes — has lent an oddly philosophical hue to a campaign that had been dominated by more prosaic issues such as budget scandals in the management of the prime minister's residence. Along the way, the stage appears to have been set for a surprisingly climactic vote on March 17.

On the left, politicians speak of true Zionism as requiring the establishment of peace and equality in the land, including by making peace with the Palestinians and giving up land if needed.

Netanyahu has mocked his rivals as "the anti-Zionist Union." Backers of his Likud tend to equate the term with a strong Israel standing up to its enemies, and with the West Bank settler movement specifically. Ideological settlers view themselves as true Zionists, called upon to reclaim the Holy Land in its entirety almost regardless of the consequences.

i have to ask is this sounding familiar like where have we seen this dynamic roll out, left and right wing are basically not different in their tactics only difference is do to religious beliefs but the political landscape just like home, one side for the people and fairness within the country the other bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran number one job no compromise just hardline my way and not yours.

Danny Danon, a senior Likud parliamentarian, argued that the opposition was weakening Israel with excessive sympathy for the Palestinians, alleging that some on the left have praised refusal to serve in the army or support the Arab view that the founding of the country was a catastrophe.

"Some in that camp are trying to change the nature of Israel and (use) the name Zionist Union to hide some of the comments made by their members," Danon said.

Hilik Bar, secretary-general of the Labor Party, counters that "we who are dealing with the most important things in society, aspire to reach peace and speak to our enemies — this is Zionism."

once more haven't we seen this movie to ad nauseam, mean spirited segregationist vs. compassionate views and plans to do it on the peace tip? the Bible says "nothing new under the sun" and FYI the same sun that rises here in the east rises in Israel in the east, politics no different either.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+1%3A9&version=NIV