Sir, – Dr FR Baigel's statistical breakdown of the 20th Knesset (March 20th), although interesting, is somewhat puzzling given the fact that he clearly thinks its composition was my main "worry". In fact, the essence of my contribution had nothing to do with the Knesset's gender balance, sexual orientation or even ideological diversity, and everything to do with the distasteful pre-election campaign strategy of Binyamin Netanyahu, who resorted to innuendo and insult when targeting Isaac Herzog, the dignified leader of the Zionist unity pact.
Moreover, by focusing on statistics, it is clear Dr Baigel misunderstood the core component of my critique, which emphasised by its public condemnation of Mr Netanyahu that Israel is a democratic, pluralistic society with a viable Zionist alternative led by Mr Herzog. I was attempting to articulate the frustration of the nearly 50 per cent of Israelis who voted for this alternative Zionist vision; therefore, I fail to see either Dr Baigel’s concern at my contribution, nor do I understand his statistical response. – Yours, etc,
Dr KEVIN McCARTHY,
Kinsale, Co Cork.