Press Releases
(Washington, D.C., April 10, 2019)–Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, gave a detailed and insightful briefing on the Israeli elections this afternoon to top B’nai B’rith International leaders from around the world.
In a conference call moderated by CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, Hoffman broke down how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committed himself to abundant interviews in the final days before the election and he also paid particular attention to the fact that the prime minister “declared victory over the media.”
Hoffman addressed the small drop in voter turnout, from about 72 percent last year to about 68 percent now. But he also noted how high the turnout is in Israel, compared to voter turnout in the United States, indicative of a deeply engaged electorate in the Jewish state.
Hoffman also talked about the future of peace prospects and Saudi Arabia’s key role going forward. And he warned about the likely chaos, even possibly civil war, that will ensue when 83 year-old-Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas eventually dies. Hoffman said: “We’ve seen the U.S. get involved in elections in Israel under many presidents. It’s possible that the U.S. could have a role in the Palestinian elections as there could surface someone who is pro-American. Perhaps there has to be an intervention in politics there.”
This election was “more exciting than any other we have had,” Hoffman said.
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org
In a conference call moderated by CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, Hoffman broke down how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committed himself to abundant interviews in the final days before the election and he also paid particular attention to the fact that the prime minister “declared victory over the media.”
Hoffman addressed the small drop in voter turnout, from about 72 percent last year to about 68 percent now. But he also noted how high the turnout is in Israel, compared to voter turnout in the United States, indicative of a deeply engaged electorate in the Jewish state.
Hoffman also talked about the future of peace prospects and Saudi Arabia’s key role going forward. And he warned about the likely chaos, even possibly civil war, that will ensue when 83 year-old-Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas eventually dies. Hoffman said: “We’ve seen the U.S. get involved in elections in Israel under many presidents. It’s possible that the U.S. could have a role in the Palestinian elections as there could surface someone who is pro-American. Perhaps there has to be an intervention in politics there.”
This election was “more exciting than any other we have had,” Hoffman said.
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org