Here is an undeniable fact: The Israeli Left, especially its radical circle, is getting smaller. There are countless reasons for this. The biggest, however, is that most of the time, the Left lacks self-criticism.
The "we are never wrong" view has led the Left to both political and intellectual ruin. A case study of this is Ezra Nawi. Despite his grave actions, which were documented and exposed on Channel 2, there was hardly any clear renunciation or condemnation of him voiced by prominent leftist leaders.
Here is another undeniable fact: Im Tirtzu has played a significant role in the dramatic shift of Israeli political discourse -- for better or for worse. However, its latest campaign of labeling prominent leftist artists and intellectuals as "foreign agents" was disappointing, lacking any forethought and being conducted with such poor taste that it could actually overshadow the group's past deeds and keep it on the extreme fringe of politics.
In this specific case, the group failed to promote its agenda, because instead of engaging in a civilized public debate about substance, the public is now focusing on the group itself and its style. The original goal is no longer relevant.
Therefore, Im Tirtzu was smart to make a public apology, but it would have been proper had the group also shelved the campaign.
Since Im Tirtzu's establishment after the Second Lebanon War, its founders, leaders and members have sought to build a Zionist society. They have done much toward this goal, but the "foreign agents" campaign is not a Zionist one -- rather, it is an unwise one as it blurs the differences between Left and Right, setting new contour lines between Zionists and extremists.
Not only that, but Im Tirtzu's labeling of leftist artists corresponds, even if not intended, with the European labeling of products from Judea and Samaria. In my opinion, the two are reminiscent of dark regimes that none of us wish to be reminded of.
Ideologically, there is not much in common between the author David Grossman and me. However, Grossman lost his son in the Second Lebanon War and his labeling by Im Tirtzu has driven many rightists such as myself to identify with him and condemn the group's campaign.
Moreover, many rightists groups are doing honorable work not only to balance political discourse, but also make the world a better place. A campaign like Im Tirtzu's sets us back years instead of us continuing forward in a manner that is both wise and just.
Last week, Zionist Union MK Stav Shaffir called for the outlawing of Im Tirtzu. But after meticulous research, I could not find any similar demands on her part to outlaw leftists groups that have taken part in actions far more grave. This one-sided call attested only to Shaffir's ignorance.
I believe it was not a coincidence that I could not find any condemnation of Nawi's actions by Shaffir. If Shaffir and Im Tirtzu truly want to make a difference, they must understand -- this is not the way.
Eli Hazan is the Likud's director of communications and international relations.
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