Why Israel’s Upcoming Election Might Be Its Most Pivotal
Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection as prime minister would hasten the illiberal drift.
Israel is on the cusp of what may be the most crucial election in its history, set to take place on October 27. The central issue at hand is whether Israel will continue to be the liberal democracy envisioned by its founding fathers or transition towards a more authoritarian regime steeped in Orthodox Judaism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has helmed Israel's government for 12 consecutive years, has recently taken a significant rightward turn by forming a coalition with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties in 2022.
Netanyahu's new government aims to diminish the powers of an independent judiciary, granting more authority to elected politicians, and to integrate the Jewish religion more profoundly into public life. This shift has led to substantial financial, legal, and moral support for West Bank settlers and increased privileges for the Haredi community, including a failed attempt to legally exempt them from military service.
Simultaneously, the government has enabled or even encouraged escalated settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has effectively turned the national police into a political instrument, targeting anti-government protesters and enabling settler attacks. Defense Minister Israel Katz has taken similar actions against the army.
Netanyahu's approach to politics mirrors that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, attempting to delegitimize the opposition and government institutions. The opposition parties, comprising various left, centrist, and right-wing factions, as well as two Arab minority groups, have been largely ineffective in posing a coherent alternative and have failed to impede the government's agenda in the Knesset.
Should the Netanyahu government secure another term following the upcoming election, Israel would effectively transition to a regime resembling illiberal democracy, akin to the trajectory of the United States under President Trump. Despite the opposition's limited effectiveness, a victory for them on election day would be crucial in halting Israel's progression towards an illiberal society.
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